Boko Haram is a national emergency in Nigeria. It is a bomb shell with a huge capacity to split the country into sectarian regional violence. As an anti-Western Islamic terrorist organization, the group has wrecked havoc with bomb attacks particularly in Maiduguri, Borno State which has witnessed several violent raids of members of the faceless sect. Its attack on the United Nations Building on August 26th and Police Headquarters on 17th June left many dead, and threatens national security.
For how long shall these systemic attacks continue? For how long shall more people die? The sect has even threatened attacks on public universities in the country! For how long shall we wait for a lasting solution to the menace? President Goodluck Jonathan recently assured Nigerians that they will get to the root of the matter and fish out the backers of the sect. He has empowered the Joint Task force to maintain law and order in Borno State and ordered speedy investigations by the Joint Intelligence team. While these are parts of the multiple routes to resolving the crisis, it has become urgent to evaluate how the sect emerged. If we know and address the root causes, we may be on our way to ending the menace.
Boko Haram Official Nomenclature
The official name of the deadly sect is Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad which means ‘Group committed to the propagation of teachings and beliefs of Prophet Muhammad, and Jihad. Residents of Borno state adopted the name ‘Boko Haram’ because of the firm position of the group against Western Education which its members says corrupt the teachings and practice of Islam.
Members of the group are opposed to every element of Westen influence including democratic governance, electoral process, the Armed forces and Universities. The latter represent institutions that propagate Western ideals and modern science. They reject the Nigerian constitution until Sharia Law is implemented across the country. This has informed their attack on police stations, recreational and religious centres, prisons and INEC office.
Ustaz Mohammed Yusuf formed the group in Maiduguri in 2002 before it shifted base to Kanamma,Yobe State in 2004. His firm belief is against Western education and its ideals. Its base in Yobe state is notorious for several attacks against the police. The group’s membership extends to neigbouring states particularly Bauchi and also receives members from neighbouring Chad. Its continued influence since 2002 is partly attributable to the establishment of Islamic schools and mosques by the founder where Ustaz Yusus indoctrinated members.
Emergence of Boko Haram
What informed the emergence of the group? This is a question that has bewildered many experts. Some say the widespread poverty and high illiteracy rate in the Northern region of the country may be responsible.Of the 1billion poor people in the world, about 20% are from sub-saharan Africa. A huge number are clustered in the Northern hemisphere of the Sahara. Most families are farmers and herdsmen with little or no formal education. Although a few may receive Islamic education, they rarely attend public or private schools.
Northern Nigeria has shown tremendous resistance to Western education since the fall of the Sokoto Caliphate to the British colonialists. This resistance reflects in many of the riots and ethno-religious crises the region has witnessed since independence. Boko Haram may also be a reflection of this aversion to Western education. Religious and cultural values in the North pose barrier to female education and their societal empowerment. Besides, many Islamic scholars see Westernization as vehicles for the corruption of Islam. The acceptance of homosexuality, almost nude dressing and public sexuality prevalent in the West propels animosity for Western ideals among Islamic fundamentalists.
The predominant Almajiri syndrome in the North may also be responsible: the syndrome comprises child’s departure from parents’ home to the street, acclimatization with fellow Almajiris for street survival, plausible tutelage in Islamic homes and mosques. It is not impossible that this syndrome has contributed to the menace, as it readily provides these vulnerable children as useful instruments in the hands of their socio-religious scholars. Usually, these scholars clothe and feed them, and teach them the survival skills of life. In return, they honor these men and revere them as major guardians in their life affairs.
It is possible that a combination of these factors may be responsible for the emergence of various groups that hold strong beliefs against the West. While some are not violent, others like Boko Haram assert their message as similar organizations like Hezbollah, Hamas, Taliban and Al-Qaeda do. Its single demand is Islamization of Northern Nigeria and introduction of Sharia Law across the country. Is this a way to reduce poverty, maternal and child mortality in the region? Or is it a way to show that Mr President is incapable of ruling a United Nigeria?
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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