Fund relevant agencies properly to tackle using children for terror acts – Cleric

Government at all levels have been called upon to ensure proper funding of relevant agencies saddled with the responsibility of sensitizing the public on the need to discourage the recruitment of child soldiers for terrorism. 

The Missioner, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Osogbo Osun State, Imam Muhammad Adeniran made the call when the Management team of the State Chapter of National Orientation Agency, NOA, led by the Director, Mr Oluropo Ibikunle during an advocacy visit to the society. 

Imam Adeniran said the Holy Quran described children as gifts, trust, trials and comforting the eyes, hence the need for parents to expose them to religious values from a tender age for them to impact society positively.

The cleric condemned the situation where young children were being lured into carrying out acts of terror, including the use of hard drugs.

Imam Adeniran, who commended the activities of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, emphasized the continuous sensitization of stakeholders who would disseminate the message to people in remote areas across the nation. 

Speaking on the purpose of the advocacy, the State Deputy Director of Human Resources, NOA, Mrs Kikelomo Ahmed explained that reports from some countries indicated that some people engaged in false religious teachings to lure the mind of children into terrorism. 

Earlier in a remark, the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr Oluropo Ibikunle, who explained that religious Leaders have a grip on public opinion, emphasized that the fight against terrorism and banditry must be collective efforts of all and sundry.

Mr Ibikunle cautioned parents and guardians against releasing their children and wards to unknown persons under the guise of offering them a better life. 

He reiterated the commitment of the agency to promoting the policies of the government and sensitizing the public on them. 

Other members of the NOA team included the Deputy Director Planning and Resources, Mrs Bukola Morgan, Deputy Director Programmes Prince Adebiyi Adefarasin, Deputy Director Account, Prince Oluwasegun Adelani, Assistant Director Special Duties, Mr Alaba Afolabi and Internal Auditor, Mr Yisau Akinlabi.

Moji Abey

Subscribe to ourTelegram channel