Do not ignore religious aspect of Boko Haram terrorism, says Nigerian cardinal

"The government has spent billions to purchase all kinds of gadgets. No matter the amount of money spent it cannot solve the problem of security", said His Eminence.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja has advised the Nigerian government against the belief that military actions alone will eliminate the threat of the Boko Haram terrorist group, the Fides news service reports. 

Speaking at a press conference about new attacks by Boko Haram, the cardinal said that Nigerians must try to understand the mentality of the terrorists, and especially their religious motivations. 

“They carry out their activities shouting ‘Allah Akbar,’” the cardinal observed. “We are wasting a lot of time if we do not recognize and do not address the religious aspect.”