It’s undoubted that Northern Nigeria is the epicenter of terrorism ranging from kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, Boko Haram insurgents, etc. It’s sad that northerners are always at the forefront when it comes to senseless killings.
The most perturbing question that is running in the minds of northerners is who will bring succour to the region at this time of unprecedented killings and abductions that indeed pervade the region? The recent abduction of over 300 schoolgirls in the Jengebe local government area of Zamfara state, and the kidnappings of over 27 students of Kagara show that Northern Nigeria is at the brink of collapse if proactive and necessary measures are not taken.
It’s indeed unfortunate that our security architecture that is mandated solely to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians has failed woefully. There is therefore the need for government at all levels to wake up from their slumber and tackle the insecurity that is crippling the development of our dear country.
I was so sad when I read the terrible news that many commuters have been kidnapped on the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway, even though it was reported that the insurgents have freed some of the commuters. It is very unfortunate that Northern Nigeria is becoming the epicenter of abductions and incessant killings.
However, the southern part of Nigeria is not an exception, where some hoodlums are ravaging the region, but we can’t also deny the fact that northern has been always been the worst region in Nigeria. Nonetheless, several tremendous efforts have been made in curtailing this menace, but one might ask why are we still battling with the issue of insecurity in Northern Nigeria?
Also, in these our trying times, I would like to draw the attention of our leaders that they are solely responsible for safeguarding the lives and properties of every Nigerian be it northerner or southerner, we will forever remain Nigerians.
Fatima Ibrahim,
Department of Mass communication,
University of Maiduguri
