Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) says the announcement that the Nigerian Government and the Boko Haram sect have agreed to a truce is a welcome development considering the huge loss of innocent lives and property to the insurgency.

A statement issued last night in Kaduna by ACF National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, said it also demonstrates the wisdom of the Forum’s earlier call for dialogue with the sect as a viable counter-terrorism strategy.

ACF said: “In order to demonstrate the sincerity of this cease fire agreement by Government and the Boko Haram insurgents, ACF and in deed all Nigerians would want to see the process of returning all seized territories of Nigeria by the Boko Haram and the restoration of normalcy in all affected areas implemented as soon as possible.

“Furthermore, all displaced persons in the rehabilitation camps should be encouraged and assisted to return to their homes.”

In the case of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls, ACF said “it is heartwarming to hear that they are safe and in good health.”

The Forum advised that the process of the release of the girls from captivity should be fast-tracked “in order to gladden the hearts of their parents and all Nigerians that have been in terrible anxiety and trauma over their safety and state of health.”

•Photo shows ACF National Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie.