Former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), has called for self-defence and Jihad against Boko Haram sect members.

In an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service on Monday night, IBB also said it was a good thing that the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, had called for prayers and fasting for peace to reign.

Babangida stressed that there was nothing wrong if people who were attacked prepared for self-defence, saying the act could be regarded as Jihad.

He condemned the killings in Kano and other parts of the country by the insurgents and commiserated with the government and people of Kano over the recent killings during Juma’at.

The former president expressed confidence in the ability of the military to contain the crisis, saying as a soldier, he believed that the crisis would not be insurmountable.

•Adapted from Nigerian Tribune. Photo shows IBB.