Section II of the 1999 constitution states: The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government. Any government that cannot guarantee security does it at its own peril. In the last six years, insecurity in Nigeria has worsened.
The hitherto ethnic religious tension in the country has been reduced but paved the ways for the emergence of Boko Haram, cattle rustlers and murderous herdsman. To the good people of Benue, Taraba, Zamfara and Kogi their once peaceful and serene states have been shattered by the agents of darkness. These people have never known peace. Killing of defenseless civilians has become a recurring decimal.
These states have turned to Golgotha in which people’s lives are being crucified on daily basis. The people in these states have been counting copses of their loved ones being hacked to death by mercilessly marauders. The news of state funeral or mass burial has continued to dominate our media houses. The deadly activities of Boko Haram which the government is trying to contain, the rise of armed militias, cattle rustlers and killer herdsmen have raised several questions among Nigerians. Some Nigerians ask whether the present insecurity is a symptom of failed states.
To this category of people, it is only in a failed state that an attacker will kill today and return tomorrow without being apprehended. Others, however, want to know if Nigeria has become a Hobbesian state where life is nasty, brutish and short. Whatever the questions that may be asked by Nigerians, it is indisputable facts to say, the country is battling with myriad of security challenges.
Nigeria is indeed at war with Boko Haram insurgents, kidnappers, bandits and killer herdsmen. This war must be won for the country to survive and attain greatness. Can we blame the government for the escalation of violence and killings in the country? Are there any efforts in place to nip in the bud the persistence of wanton destruction of lives and properties in the country? Some governors are blamed for their roles in the crises bedevil their respective states
. For instance, the enactment of anti-grazing laws in Benue and Taraba states has fueled the crises. Although, killings in Benue and Taraba predated the passing of antigrazing laws, it however added to the flames. In Zamfara state, the governor should take the blame. The governor is accused of indifference to the frequent attacks by suspected cattle rustlers. While the state was on fire, the governor was busy gallivanting from Abuja to other countries.
The inability of the federal government to straighten intelligence gathering has also assisted the criminals to go scot-free with their atrocities. The deployment of army and other security officers has mitigated attacks and reassured communities of their safety, but it has failed to end the circle of violence in the affected states.
The government should intensify air surveillance in our dark forest and identify the murderous invaders. They should be arrested and prosecuted. People should be security conscious and report any strange movement to the relevant authorities. The wave of insecurity in the country is very alarming. The government needs to win this war against the agents of darkness holding our country by the jugular. Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna, 08169056963
