Nigerians are consumed with fear as Islamic fundamentalist group called ‘Boko Haram’ intensifies its activities of terror in mainly the Northern part of the country. The terrorist group, whose original by-line is “Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad”, which in Arabic means ‘People committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad’, has intensified the bombing and killing of innocent people around the country. Its leader, Imam Abubakar Shekau, in a YouTube message, justifies all the killings as “divine”, as commanded by his Allah.
Eventually, this precipitated talk with the terror group broke down as they were emboldened by government weakness and lack of direction. Their leader called off talks with the government, while citing unwillingness “to hold dialogue with infidels.” Yet, the lesson was not learnt as the authority continues to yield to the blackmail and humiliation from this daredevil group. While bombs continue to ravage lives and properties of patriotic Nigerians, government incompetence adds to the existing quagmire. The army have been deployed in civilian populated areas and armed with live ammunition to combat an invisible foe. Their frustration has led to the random search of civilians and frequent uncoordinated raids on private homes that often result in fatalities. Of course, any civilian death is universally tagged as ‘collateral damage’ but the government has lacked the decency to even borrow that expression. Instead, it exaggerates figures of killed terrorists to cover the number of civilians caught in the crossfire.
This constant abuse of people’s liberty has shifted the fear from the terror group to government agents. There seems to be some kind of haste in resolving the terrorist activity that has continued to increase in dimension as the perpetrators expand the scope of their targets; prompting the government to increase military presence on the streets. A young graduate who is currently engaged on a national service assignment, in Gombe, North East of Nigeria, described the activities of government agents, as deplorable. Christopher Ibe said, “We are more afraid of the military and the ‘mobile’ policemen than the “Boko Haram” terrorists.” Apparently, the army and the anti-riot police have been given a “shoot at sight” order. “Shoot at sight” is an unconventional and extra-judicial means that is usually employed by the government to tackle widespread crime or public disturbance. “The police and the military do stop people at will and restrict people movement during the day and night. They will kill anyone at the least suspicion. We are not treated as humans but as animals,” Christoper Ibe added.
The government, instead of looking for a solution, is trying to control Boko Haram, by fielding more military in the cities; among civilian populations, whereby they further restrict the daily routine of the people and the nation. Just like a family, a Nation also needs to stand together. Boko Haram ought not to divide the nation; but this is apparently the result of having a government that is out of touch with the plight of its citizens. Rather than employing brutal force, the government can achieve more by introducing a forum for public discussions, suggestions and solutions whereby Nigerians can congregate to agree on how to preserve unity and save the nation from disintegration.
Discrimination, based on religious or regional difference, is further escalating existing political tensions between the numerous tribes, in the country. Suffice it to say that the activities of the army in civilian populated areas have not been helpful in quelling the menace of those minority fundamentalist groups and restoring unity in the country.
Mr Chika Eze, an official of the Nigerian Embassy in London, asserted that “maximum force is required in order to stop the terrorist from holding most part of the country under siege.” His pronouncement confirmed the worst fear of many Nigerians including Mr Ibe who are worried that the presence of the army on the streets is becoming an added problem to any possible solution. “Have you seen how America managed this kind of activity in Afghanistan?”, he queried. “We need to match their force and I believe that most Nigerians will agree with me,” he concluded.
Perhaps there is an element of truth in his assertion as Nigerians are acquainted with deplorable living conditions and multiple violations in respect of their civil rights. Another Nigerian who craved anonymity stated, “Conventional wisdom is that humans are social animals. Though there are so many other animal species that live in groups, humans are the only species in the animal kingdom that live in families. The nation is also an extension of the family, and we must be prepared to compromise and adjust for each other.” It is not clear whether she advocates the understanding by people about army personnel, armed with live ammunition, dwelling with civilians on every street or talks of a unified cultural position against the terrorist group.
Either ways, Nigerians are lovely people and, undoubtedly, deserving of better society, treatment, government and politics than this. The overall social and political activities in the country are shameful and there is a dire need of effective measures for the restoration of normalcy.
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Sola Olukoye Lagos, Nigeria April 20, 2012
The Senate has just asked the President to use maximum force. This implies more trigger happy police and military on the street. It finally implies more civilian death, bully and harassment. Only God will save us in Nigeria. We are not safe from BOKO, we are not safe from Government.
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