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Wednesday, 18 April 2012

The Siege of A Nation: Fundamentalists reign of Terror on Christians










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.

 Maran'atha,
Ambassador R A Y

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