Governor Amosun Denies Boko Haram Infiltration In Ogun State

The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, on Thursday has denied a claim by a senator that members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, have infiltrated the state.

The governor said there would be no breathing space for insurgents to operate in the state and environs.

His remarks came in response to comments by Babafemi Ojodu, a senator, who said on Wednesday that the senate had been informed by the military that the fighters have gradually moved southwards to Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers States, following ongoing military operations in the north east.

In an interview with journalists shortly after Eid-El-Fitri prayer session held at Lantoro Playing Ground in Abeokuta, Mr. Amosun debunked that claim.

"I can assure you there is nothing like that; No Boko Haram in our state, we won't allow them, they won't and can't operate here. I can assure residents and citizens of a peaceful atmosphere," Mr. Amosun said.

In his message to Muslims, the governor urged them to continue to abide by the tenets of Ramadan.

"I want to call on our Muslim brothers and sisters to sustain the lessons learnt during the period of Ramadan. We should also leave in peace and harmony as Islamic religion preaches," Mr. Amosun said

Earlier in his sermon, Chief Imam of Egbaland, Liadi Orunsolu, called on Muslims not to go back to their old ways,adding that alms giving should be paramount as it is one of the pillars of Islam.

The cleric also called for need to leave in peace and harmony irrespective of religion differences, pointing out that Islam preaches peace and not violence.