We must all come to terms with the obvious fact that, insecurity in any part of Nigeria constitutes a huge security threat to the entire nation. One cannot really tell how these terror elements operate. So, it is completely wrong, unacceptable and condemnable for anyone or group of persons to roundly conclude that Boko Haram is simply a problem of just a section of Nigeria.
Undoubtedly, we are in the most challenging and convoluted period in our history as a sovereign and independent nation. Certain existential social realities have not only become intractable, but have dwarfed meaningful efforts designed to address them head on. The situation on the ground today is very worrisome as well as disturbing. What is currently playing out in our dear country is nothing different from a typical war situation. We are obviously in a ditch. Regrettably, no one, not even the system seems to be making any genuine effort to rescue the nation from the precipice. Some brainwashed, merciless and senile individuals masquerading as terrorists under an amorphous ragtag configuration called Boko Haram have not only held the nation by its jugular, but have made life unbearable for many Nigerians.
The reality of this dicey situation confronting us today can be seen in the rising figure of displaced persons, families and children presently taking refuge at different emergency settlements put in place by government agencies and non governmental organizations in some parts of the north east. It’s about time we told ourselves the blunt truth that all isn't okay and normal in our dear fatherland. Wanting to hide under any guise or narrow consideration to play down on the intensity of the disturbing situation in our Nigeria of today is indeed a sin in the sight of God almighty and crime against humanity. We cannot by any means hurriedly conclude that all is well and fine with us when we wake up daily to read gory, heartrending stories of how our fellow countrymen and women are slaughtered and buried in shallow graves like chickens.
Ideally, we should all be bothered by the horror and pains that Nigerians in the entire north-east are experiencing. Schools, hospitals, social, religious and commercial services have long given way to daylight bomb attacks and serial abductions of women and young school girls. We must all come to terms with the obvious fact that, insecurity in any part of Nigeria constitutes a huge security threat to the entire nation. One cannot really tell how these terror elements operate. So, it is completely wrong, unacceptable and condemnable for anyone or group of persons to roundly conclude that Boko Haram is simply a problem of just a section of Nigeria. To me, this attitude further fuels insecurity and emboldens these terror elements in their devilish mission to hasten Nigeria’s journey to Armageddon. It is high time we demanded genuine explanations from those who are prosecuting the insurgency war on the way forward. Keeping shut and acting as though all is well with us is a deadly venture.
These terrorists, after successfully registering their ugly presence in most parts of Borno State, with even a ‘caliphate’ in place, they have relocated to neighbouring Adamawa State, from where the group has been launching serious offensive in the last one week. Curiously, these attacks and successful relocations are going on at a time the federal government recently told the world that it had entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Boko Haram group. Besides, three of the six states in the northeast region have been under partial emergency rule in the last one year.
Many wonder how this group manages to operate in areas under full military watch! Just yesterday, Mubi, the home of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Alex Sabundu Badeh, came under serious attacks as terrorists, believed to be members of the Boko Haram sect invaded the town. Not satisfied with just attacking markets and other public places in the state, the daredevil guys took the battle to the military barracks located in the town. Media reports have it that armed military men literarily, sensing danger, deserted their barracks. Hell was however let lose yesterday. The situation created panic, confusion, disquiet, fears and uncertainty among residents of Mubi and several other adjoining towns within Adamawa state.
Many have summarily concluded that both the federal government and its military architecture are incapable of dealing with the situation head on. It appears that the more assurances we receive from our military and intelligence communities on the possibility of overcoming terrorism anytime soon, the fiercer the Boko Haram gets in its vicious attacks. From all indications, it appears that, concerned Nigerians, with particular reference to the government at the centre seem not to have the slightest clue as to how to end insurgency anytime soon. Well, forget the barrage of conjured lies usually presented to us in form of press statements assuring us of what the Federal Government is doing to send Shekau and his men packing.
We have heard all manner of lies since the very day Shekau made known his plans to make Nigeria a hell of a place for all Nigerians. I think the government should be largely blamed for the alarming level that terrorism has assumed. It made the grievous mistake of anchoring her plans on falsehood, propaganda and politics. It blatantly failed to accord the situation the seriousness and attention it deserves. Granted, without doubt, insurgency did not begin with the coming of President Jonathan. No. He only inherited a situation that was badly managed by his predecessors. But since government is a continuous process, it is expected that any government that comes to power will do its best to correct all anomalies inherent in the system. In this guise, it is incumbent on the current system to find lasting and enduring solution to whatever problems that threaten Nigeria's corporate existence.
In all frankness, the array of aides and advisers milling around President Goodluck Jonathan are largely responsible for the spectacular failure he has recorded as far as the insurgency conundrum is concerned. They keep feeding him with unprintable lies on how Nigeria is winning the insurgency challenge at a time hundreds of Nigerians are daily sent to early graves. They tell him not to worry and should go to sleep with his two eyes closed. These elements have successfully shielded genuine Nigerians from getting any close to President Jonathan.
Now to the grand sham called ‘ceasefire agreement’ with the Boko Haram sect. From the outset, like several other Nigerians out there, yours sincerely had his doubts. I doubted everything about the arrangement. I saw it as a calculated attempt to shore up the almost-dead image and approval rating of the Jonathan administration. Nigerians were quick to register their doubts in a number of ways. They wasted no time in giving the administration the benefit of the doubt. It is simply a case of once bitten, twice shy. Where is the place of truth, sincerity of purpose and moral sanctity in this entire charade? Who do we believe? The government or Boko Haram?
Regrettably, the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) seems to be towing the unenviable path of the PDP in addressing the plight of these displaced Nigerians. We desire to see an opposition with clear-cut implementable ideas. Not an opposition that is only good at heating up the polity for selfish and narrow considerations. The APC, being the major opposition platform should go beyond mere talks to offer physical assistance to these Nigerians who are caught up in the needless madness ravaging the entire north east region.
Like I noted earlier, insecurity in any part of Nigeria should be seen as a huge threat to national security, peace, stability and Nigeria's quest for greatness. The ongoing insurgency challenge is not the problem of just the north alone. It is purely a Nigerian problem. The earlier we came to terms with this old and tested fact, the better for us as a people. We need genuine commitment; not lies, propaganda, falsehood or buck passing in our quest to banish terrorists from our land. Those at the helm of affairs should rise up from their long sleep. We cannot afford to be anywhere else at a time several nations are racing against time to attain national goals.
Abdullahi Yunusa wrote in from Imane, Kogi State. Contact him at [email protected].