North Eastern Nigeria Under Siege

Man has become increasingly wicked, vile, hostile and thirsty for blood. In Nigeria, we live in dangerous and perilous times where man carries weapon to kill his fellow human being with impunity  and total disregard for the sanctity of human life. Daily, people are killed, properties are destroyed, children's hope and aspirations are dashed, economic activities are shattered and livelihoods are cut short. To an extent, Northern Nigeria, particularly the North East has become a full blown theatre of war. Quite sadly, many have been sent to their untimely graves and many have had their future destroyed by violent insurgents known as Boko Haram. They perpetrate their nefarious and unsavory activities under the guise of religion and politics. Here is a dreaded group which spreads its violent tendencies across Nigeria through bomb explosions, kidnappings, gun violence, rape, force marriage, killing and burying people alive. How cruel this sounds! They challenge students, politicians, market men and women, those in government cycles, international citizens and security agents. In fact, nobody is free from their reckless and evil activities in Nigeria and beyond. Quite recently, they abducted over 200 young girls in Chibok community under Borno state. They blew up police, military, telecommunication, media and educational facilities worth billions and trillions of Naira. Farmers are not safe, hunters are not safe, students, youths, women, entrepreneurs, politicians, international investors and security men are all not safe. Nigeria's security system is at the moment weak and frail. Many thanks, however, to our gallant soldiers who are exhibiting an uncommon sense of courage and patriotism by fighting hard to ensure that Boko Haram becomes a thing of the past. Many are loosing their lives, yet, the battle continues. Boko Haram insurgents are fought in Sambisa Forest, they are fought in Northern Nigeria and indeed the country as a whole. They are no longer having breathing space as it was the case in previous political dispensations. Most of their territories have been recaptured by Nigeria's military and many refugees who fled their states during the heat of the crisis are gradually returning. The government isn't resting on its oars to ensure that this evil is permanently rooted out so lives can be more effectively secured, shaped, empowered and affected positively. Sometimes, the question that rings in my heart is, who supplies weapons of mass destruction to these youths to carry out this negative tendencies rather than the economic aid they need to build a stable and prosperous future? Indeed, Northern Nigeria has been under siege for a long time. It became worst after the killing of Boko Haram's founder (Mohammed Yusuf) some years ago by security forces when he was captured alive in Borno state during a face off. One thing that sounds particularly worrisome and disheartening is the fact that, funds meant for the procurement of arms to fight Boko Haram were corruptly siphoned for primordial and vested interests. Currently, the former National Security Adviser to former president Goodluck Jonathan, Rtd colonel Sambo Dasuki is under EFCC's net for diverting $2.1billion meant for the purchase of weapons and sharing it amongst PDP members to campaign for the reelection of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Also, last week, EFCC investigated and found over $1million buried inside soak away at the residence of a former service chief. While some people were milking the country dry and massively stealing our common wealth, criminal insurgents under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau were opening the floodgates of hell on innocent and helpless Nigerians. Nigeria is a great country and we must do everything possible to secure her future. We can't fold our arms and watch her tilting towards destruction. The time to act is now. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Satmakdapar1@mail.com