Governor Kashim Shettima on Wednesday evening inaugurated 500 hunters and vigilantes who have sacrificed their lives in complementing efforts of the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram sect.
He said the inauguration became necessary in view of the renewed attacks by insurgents in many parts of the state.
He said, all the hunters who took an oath with the Holy Qu’ran and Bible for defending the people will be deployed alongside troops in strategic places in Maiduguri Metropolitan and Jere Local Government Area to end the Boko Haram menace.
Shettima therefore said each of the hunters would be placed on a monthly salaries of N10,000 each, while their superiors would earn N20,000 each month.
He also announced donation of 250 bags of rice (50kg) to cushion the hardship of the families of the hunters.
While introducing the hunters before the governor, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barister Kaka Shehu Lawal, said “couple of months back in one of security meetings we resolved to engage 500 hunters to compliment effort of our security forces.
“It is in view of our resolution that we present to you these set of gallant hunters for inauguration,” Kaka Shehu said.
Leader of the Vigilante Mai Durma who administered the oath with Holy Qu’ran and Bible to the hunters admonished them to be good ambassadors.
He told the hunters that they should all be mindful of what they sworn in, as not to reveal any modus operandi of the military operations to the insurgents, betray government in all its dealings and do anything that will jeopardize the relative peace in the state.
“Anyone who reveals our strategy to Boko Haram or betrays government course, may he be consumed by this oath,” Durma said.
Highlight of the occasion was the donation of 10 operational vehicles to the hunters.