Basking on the euphoria of a new Staff of office, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff - reportedly exuded optimism that Boko Haram onslaught will be a thing of the past sooner than later. Rather than dampen the Sect's penchant for bloodletting, the statement seem to have galvanized them to up the ante.
Again Boko Haram is credited with the recent barbaric slaughtering of dozens of students of Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe State. Recall that in 2013, the Sect killed about 42 students of Government Secondary School, Mamudu, Potiskum. At the time of writing this, it emerged Boko Haram once again had a free rain in Michika LGA of Adamawa State. These wanton killings especially of innocent minors is surely unmanly and a crime against humanity.
The intriguing part of this latest attack is the allegation that Military deployment to a nearby Checkpoint in Yobe was withdrawn shortly before Boko Haram struck. It beggars belief that Boko Haram had a free rein for about 5 hours notwithstanding an ongoing 'State of Emergency'. We demand that this allegation be rigorously investigated and appropriate punishment meted out to those responsible.
Regrettably, it has become a norm for our leaders to swiftly reel out cacophony of condemnations spiced with crocodile tears. Chit-chat committees are subsequently assembled. The ogas-at-the-top tell Nigerians they are on top of the situation. The frenzy evaporates within some days and it is business as usual again. Life is increasingly cheapened in this clime. Innocent citizens are butchered daily and geezers revel in grandiose centenary jamboree.
For one, Boko Haram is consistent. They make it patently clear they detest Western education and that they are not interested in any form of dialogue. Interestingly their attacks follow a predictable pattern - a predilection for attacking schools, churches, mosques, military formations and other public places. Hence it is not rocket science to extrapolate their possible next target and take adequate steps to forestall it. A proactive intelligence gathering approach will do a lot of good.
We vehemently reject the insinuation that Boko Haram is better armed and motivated than our Security Forces. It is worthy to point out that Boko Haram is waging a Guerilla-like (unconventional) warfare. The greatest strength of this tactic is the element of surprise, fluidity and loose command and control structure. Again, you seldom know who your enemy is. As extenuating as this may seem, it is not a valid excuse for non-performance by our Security Agencies since there are international templates, best practices they can refer to.
While we appreciate the onerous task our Security Agencies are encumbered with and the sacrifices they make, we urge them to discreetly walk the talk rather than indulge in taunting vainglory that invites Boko Haram to stamp their authority with reckless abandon.
We align with the Nigerian Senate in calling for the immediate relocation of the Chief of Army Staff and his Air Force counterpart to the hotbeds of Boko Haram onslaught. A good General commands from the front line not ensconcing himself in the comfort of air conditioned HQ or office.
The Nigerian Air Force jets must be on 247-combat alert and should randomly patrol the airspace within Yobe, Bornu, Adamawa and their borders with Cameroon, Niger etc. We believe the giant of Africa have the resources to deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the hotbeds of terrorism and insurgency. The $10-$49 billion Oil money purportedly unaccounted for by the NNPC can sort out a dozen of those.
As evidenced in his latest media chat, there is no iota of doubt President Jonathan is desirous to see an end to this wanton killings that has marred his administration. He once again extended an olive branch to a recalcitrant Boko Haram during his latest 'media chat' even though the Sect has habitually scorned previous overtures. What is the point reciting poetry to people that do not appreciate poetry. We are concerned that such apparent passing comments cast aspersions of sheer helplessness and inconsistency. Such remarks bolster the Sect. Even where negotiation or dialogue (carrot and stick approach) is an option, it is dangerous, a bad precedent to negotiate from a position of weakness.
Our heart and condolence are with families that lost their innocent wards in these heinous killings. We pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. We implore the government and Nigerians generally to support these families in any way they can. We urge Nigerians to be resilient. The forces of evil cannot break our indefatigable spirit!
Together, let us SAY NO TO INSECURITY AND TERRORISM! Give peace a chance.
Don Okereke
www.donokereke.blogspot.com
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Twitter: @donokereke