Sept. 27, 2013
The Borno State Government yesterday flagged off orientation programme for 800 youth vigilantes popularly known as civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) who are helping security agencies to hunt for Boko Haram members.
The youths are mostly from Maiduguri, Jere and Biu which have been worst affected by the insurgency.
Governor Kashim Shettima who flagged off the programme named Borno Youths Empowerment Scheme (BOYES) in Maiduguri applauded their efforts as laudable in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents.
The governor said: “Today we gathered to start what I will call the implementation of an all-inclusive blueprint that is aimed at transforming our youths into becoming more productive. By bringing together this first batch of 800 youths drawn from about 10 units within Jere, Metropolitan and 50 each from Biu, Bama, Damboa Konguga, Kaga local government areas.’’
He said the government and the entire structure of Borno state will forever remain grateful to the youths for “surrendering your lives on the streets of Maiduguri and its environs, day and night to restore peace and tranquility to our dear states.’’
The governor said construction and installation of gates in all communities in Maiduguri has commenced to make it easier for the vigilante youths to secure their communities against crime and other social vices.
