Discussions on the nature of insecurities in Nigeria will never cease to be a pressing and worrisome topic especially due to the fact that the security personnel are failing in their duties to bring assurance to citizens and that the situation is not getting any better as numerous negative stories are being reported daily of incessant kidnappings, robberies, attacks by herdsmen and killings by terrorist groups such as Boko- haram.
The questions in the mind of most Nigerians on this issue is that, why is it so difficult for the government of the federation to put a final end to all these menaces caused by these insurgents?
Why is it a very difficult prerogative for all the security outfits and officials to tackle the root of all the terrorists attacks especially when Nigerians are reliably informed of their perceived habitations and their mode of operations?
Many citizens have eventually come to the realization that something is obviously not right and the conclusion in line with the popular opinion that these terrorists’ groups are being sponsored by prominent personalities and perhaps some major organisations within and outside the country.
In line with the above thoughts the governor of Borno, Babagana Zulum, has shockingly disclosed that there are white men, Asians and Christians in the ranks of Boko Haram.
It has been a popular opinion amongst some Nigerians that Boko Haram has been on a mission, seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate in Nigeria.
It is no longer news that for over a decade, Borno and other states in the north-east have witnessed and suffered series of attacks from Boko Haram insurgents, where thousands have been killed and over two million people displaced.
The state governor in a speech during the 17th Gani Fawehinmi annual lecture in Lagos, disclosed that the security challenge in Borno poses a danger to every part of the country and it is a fight which everyone must come together to eradicate.
In his words;
“I’m from Borno state, and many of our children are into Boko Haram. I’m not denying the fact. But again, they are being sponsored by many people across the world. Among Boko Haram, we have white men, Asians, Africans, Muslims and Christians,” he said.
“Throughout northern Nigeria, particularly Borno state, a committee is working on how to reform the Almajiri system of education. We want to streamline the non-formal and formal education sectors to avail those children basic literacy and numeracy skills so they can stand on their own. And we are not in support of street begging.
“We must stop seeing this insurgency as a problem of the north. The distance between Borno state and Lagos state is about 1,700km, but mind you if Borno state is not peaceful, other parts of the nation will never be peaceful. We have to unite and fight these insurgents. We have seen what happened in Libya, Iraq and other countries. Peace building and social cohesion are very important in strengthening the resilience of our communities.
“Unless we get rid of nepotism, tribalism and exploitation of religion, we will not get it right in this country. The constitution is very clear on the need for peaceful coexistence among all of us, which is why the principle of federal character is enshrined in the constitution, but it has been abused.”
Despite the fact that there have been calls for the creation of state police to help with internal security, but the governor said he does not support the idea, arguing that it will further polarise an already fragile system and weaken national unity.
” For the sake of national unity, I will not advise the creation of state police. It’s not yet time for us to have it, but as time goes on, the idea of having state police is very good. I’m entitled to my opinion,” he said.
As simple as these statements of the state government may sound it is something that must be taken into serious consideration by the present leadership to ensure these security threats don’t develop into something so overwhelming and too difficult to handled, as some citizens have already concluded.
Gift Joseph Okpakorese
Staff Writer
