Boko Haram sect is an Islamic fundamentalist sect in Northern Nigeria; the word ‘Boko Haram’ means ‘Western Education is a sin’. Apparently, the sect has been faceless since the death of its leader Muhammed Yusuf in 2009. The activities of the group constitute a serious security menace to the Nigerian populace; its siege on Maiduguri, Borno state capital has claimed more than 100 lives. The sect is against Western education and any institution that represents Western ideals. Its targets include the police and perceived infidels who detest their beliefs.
In fact, several factions are at war over how to crush the deadly sect. While the Arewa Consultative Forum believes that withdrawal of troops will help to return peace to the state, the State Government asserts that current evidence clearly negates such a position and the presence of the troops in the state has contributed greatly to the relative peace in the state. The Arewa Youth Forum also disagrees with their elders in the ACF, alleging that these elders contributed to the current impasse in the region because of their failure to address the fundamental challenges of poverty, illiteracy and economic backwardness that have plagued the region since independence.
No to Insurgence in Nigeria
The spate of insecurity in the country is dangerous and if not properly managed, similar warring factions may emerge in different regions of the country. This may ultimately lead to a collapse of government. The post election violence that rocked Nigeria after the 2011 elections and the activities of these insurgents gave credence to the underlying pathological state of the region as pointed by the Arewa Youth Forum; they believe that the region is characterised by staggering poverty, widespread illiteracy, religious fanaticism, economic dwarfism and the Almajiri syndrome. There is a large gap between the North rich and poor, between children of the elite and the Almajiris. In this situation, violence appears to be an inevitable response to the disparity.
The challenge posed by Boko Haram sect is a national emergency, there is no more time for excuses from the ruling PDP and the President. It is commendable that the government engaged the northern leaders, Borno elders and major stakeholders in the region; it also directed the Joint Task Force to maintain law and order in the state. This is not enough. It has not directly led to a significant reduction in the frequency of attacks by the deadly sect. A major humanitarian crisis is imminent as more people are leaving Borno for neighbouring states. The urgent remedy needed to assuage this crisis demands short-term and long-term approaches.
Panacea for the Boko Haram Saga
Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai and the governor of the State-Shettima have appealed to people to return. But there must be a guarantee of security for lives and properties, since hundreds have died since the deadly attacks began. Urgent measures must be employed by the government to unravel the tactics of the group, as there appears to be a split in the ranks of Boko Haram. Measures must be taken to identify its leaders and sponsors and highlight external links with international terrorist groups (if there are any). The Joint Taskforce and Operation Restore Order (JTORO) drafted to maintain law and order in Maiduguri must continue to work hard to prevent more attacks and protect lives, not harass people. Amnesty is not an option: the sect has killed innocent people, and must be dealt with. They must be held responsible for these dastardly acts of inhumanity to man.
The long-term plan will be to address the pertinent issues highlighted by the Arewa Youth Forum. Government must quickly drive its efforts and resources to deal with poverty through job creation and entrepreneurship; and promote education through appropriate methods and incentives, if necessary. Basic education is compulsory and children must go to school. Girl-child education and female empowerment are very important. Cultural and social factors that have perpetuated these monsters must be identified, and duly addressed.
Conclusion
It is necessary to ensure that no region is left out in the country. Every region has its share of development challenges which need urgent pragmatic attention. It is incumbent on government to ensure adequate coverage of its development programs across the six geo-political zones so that there will be no marginalized region where terrorists can arise from.
Biodun Awosusi - 'Biodun Awosusi is a medical doctor, freelance writer and social activist. He writes on health and politics, biodiversity and green ...
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