Emir Muhammed Sanusi: calls on people to defend themselves

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Nigerians to be prepared to defend themselves against the onslaught of Boko Haram militants.

“People must not wait for soldiers to protect them. There are even instances where soldiers on ground ran away in the face of attack,” Sanusi said in closing remarks at the weekly recitation of the Holy Quran.

The recitation was part of prayers for peace in the country, reports the online news portal, premiumtimesng.com.

Sanusi urged religious and community leaders to undertake the immediate task of infusing courage in their people, particularly the youth, in preparation for self defence against Boko Haram attacks.

People must stand resolutely in the face of attack and not abandon their towns, women and children, the Emir said.

“These people”, the Emir recounted in Hausa and referring to Boko Haram, “when they attack towns, they kill boys and enslave girls… People must stand resolute. ”

He reminded the congregation of muslim clerics who came from various Islamic schools in Kano of the saying of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that whoever dies in defence of his country, family, life or wealth is a martyr.

“People must not assume that the crisis will not reach their area,” the Emir prayed. “If it comes, “we are asking God to give us fortitude, but if He wishes to take martyrs from amongst us, we should be ready to give our lives.”

“Those that are endowed as hunters and vigilantes should apply this endowment given to them by Allah as an avenue of earning divine reward in defending their nation,” he said.