As the New Year rolled in, Nigerians woke up to another atrocity committed by the notorious Boko Haram sect; the abduction of 40 boys and young men between the ages of 10 and 23 years on New Year’s eve. This is definitely not a good sign, neither is it a good start to the year. It would seem the insurgents are out to prove some kind of point or send a message in no uncertain terms to our security forces. As the news of the abduction hit the stands, so also did the equally demoralising news that the multinational joint forces had been dislodged by insurgents.
The abduction of young boys and men signifies a worrisome dimension to the insurgency in the nation. The insurgents are apparently on a recruitment mission, something every parent, particularly in the Northeast region, should be wary of. It is pertinent that this development is viewed with seriousness by all concerned, especially against the backdrop of recent reports that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is in Nigeria to recruit fighters.
The fundamental question that we must keep asking is how did we get to this level? That we are under attack is no longer news, yet it appears that we still have not grasped the seriousness of the situation and what is at stake. Politicking has taken centre stage in our national affairs. Where our leaders and politicians should exercise caution and exhibit sensitivity, they flaunt a sickening lack of concern. Our armed forces are ill-equipped and intervention from foreign allies continues to elude us. How did things get to this sorry state?
The international community does not think we are serious about combating the scourge of Boko Haram, neither do those Nigerians directly affected by the actions of the insurgents. But it is our collective tragedy and therefore, our collective responsibility to find a solution to the menace. The greatest tragedy of all, however, is the politicians who have decided to play politics with the issue of security in this country. Every issue of national importance has been reduced to politics by self-serving elected officials, who delight in preying on the gullibility of the masses. We wish to remind all concerned that should the country disintegrate, there would be neither elections, nor offices to covet.
It is our opinion that the strategy so far employed in the execution of the war on terror in the country is not working. There is the need for more concerted effort beyond the constant rhetoric that “we are on top of the situation”. That we must win this war and end insurgency in the nation by all means is not up for debate.
