Jama’atu Ahlus Sunnah
Lidda Awati Wal Jihad is their official name, but they are better known to
Nigerians and the International Community as “Boko Haram”, which in Hausa language means “Western Education is anathema
or sinful.”
Boko Haram is a group that has used terror to propagate and
advance its ideals or philosophy. The group’s demand amongst others is an
outright Islamization and adoption of Sharia Law for Northern Nigeria. Their
demand is not in consonance with the constitution and nature of Nigeria.
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and religious country and her constitution protects
and guarantees her secular status. No religion is given a dominant or official
status. Even Northern Nigeria is not an entirely homogenous region; it is
multi-ethnic with divers’ language comprising adherents of Christianity, Islam
and traditional believers.
In trying to achieve its objectives, Boko Haram has taken to
bombing and shooting Nigerians particularly Christians either in churches,
their residences or anywhere they gather. Catalogue of woes have been visited
upon the church as it has recorded a high casualty of deaths and maiming as a
result of the groups continuous and incessant attacks on Christians in Northern
Nigeria. There has been at least 1 attack in most states in the north of
Nigeria with the exception of a few states.
Boko Haram’s activities and existence can be traced to 2002
which was then limited in scope but not devoid of its fundamentalist tendencies
until 2009 when after a series of skirmishes, its brush with Law Enforcement
Agents and the subsequent killing of its leader Mallam Muhammed Yusuf in
controversial circumstances while in custody.
Since 2009, Boko Haram has become bolder, daring and more
sophisticated. There are also reports and or proofs of its linkage with the
global terror group Al-Qaeda, which claims defense of Muslims and perpetrates
its activities in the name of Islam. They have proved a handful to government
security and intelligence agencies. It appears the government has lost grip of
the situation and is clueless on how to contain or wipe out the terrorist group
who have seriously threatened the corporate existence of Nigeria and has
violently infringed on the well-being and safety of Nigerians.
While Nigerians were still mourning the suicide bombing of a
Catholic church in Madalla, Niger State on Christmas day in December 2011, an
action which Boko Haram took responsibility for; the group struck again on
Friday, 20th January in Kano in multiple locations killing almost 200 people
including children, policemen and a journalist with Channels Television. Few
days after the Kano incidence, the group struck again in Bauchi attacking and
killing mostly Christians. Now, Nigerians cannot give count of the groups’
attacks and bombings.
All of these attacks have put pressure on President Jonathan
and his security agencies, which resulted in the sacking of the Inspector
General of Police Hafiz Ringim who was accused of gross incompetence and
ineffectiveness owing to the manner he handled the whole crisis and the escape
of a prime Boko Haram suspect Kabir Sokoto who was under investigation for the
Madalla Christmas day bombing. The attacks, bombings and shootings have not
abated as a matter of fact they now kidnap locals and foreigners alike. Every
day we hear reports of their deadly uprising in one state or the other. Boko
Haram is on rampage. Who will bail Nigerians, our unity, the polity and the nation?
As Nigerians mourn their lost loved ones and ponder on how
the country has come under the siege of Boko Haram unrelentlessly and
unchecked, they look with trepidation, not knowing who or where the next attack
will occur to the government for safety, protection and an end to the menace.
Mr. President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to defeat and wipe out Boko Haram
completely; inspite of this promise many have chosen to place their fate and
deliverance in the Almighty God. The world is not only watching, it is waiting.
Ambassador R A Y
