In Nigeria, what initially began as criminal activities, such as cattle rustling and looting, has evolved into a thriving industry known as banditry, especially in the northern regions of the country.
This issue has had a profound impact on the safety of Nigerian schools, turning them into targets where both children and goods are unlawfully seized with alarming impunity.
As of 2018, Northern Nigeria had achieved a school enrolment rate of over 60 per cent for both genders, a significant improvement from previous years as stated by Statista.
However, the region still grapples with the highest rate of illiteracy in the country, primarily due to its predominantly rural nature.
The onset of banditry has only exacerbated the situation, endangering schools that provide quality education. The Boko Haram terror group, which opposed Western education, marked the beginning of this crisis.
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The situation has worsened over the years. Access to quality education in the North is already limited, and the abduction of the Chibok girls from Borno State in 2014 during the peak of Boko Haram’s terror was a stark reminder of the challenges faced. Subsequently, in 2018, ISWAP kidnapped 110 schoolgirls in Yobe State. Thankfully, some of these victims have managed to escape their captors.
Recently, bandits, the emerging players in Nigeria’s terrorism landscape, targeted Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) in the North. Students were abducted from their off-campus residence, underlining the urgency of the situation.
It’s clear that outdated methods of dealing with criminals are no longer effective. We must commend the brave personnel who risk their lives to rescue victims. However, these criminals have grown in confidence, and we cannot continue to splurge our resources on rescue operations. It’s time to allocate the national security budget towards preventing these incidents, ensuring the safety of our armed forces and civilians.
The trend of banditry poses a grave threat to our nation’s future. Affected regions have resorted to setting up vigilante groups, as trust in the government’s ability to address the issue wanes. Parents who sacrifice their life savings for their children’s education now face financial ruin as they pay ransoms. Underfunded schools with low teacher salaries must also tackle security challenges.
To combat this menace, boarding schools must enhance security measures and consider relocating to more populated areas. Universities should focus on making their hostels attractive and close to school blocks. Additionally, the government should invest in technological advancements, utilising satellites to monitor bandit hotspots and their communications.
Lastly, we must recognise that illiteracy is a major driver of banditry in Nigeria. Education can play a pivotal role in addressing this issue, by not only providing knowledge but also instilling values that deter criminal behaviour. It’s time to educate both our youth and those on the wrong path, as the consequences of our actions affect us all. Let us strive for a brighter future for Nigeria.
Yaseer Abdullahi Samanja can be reached via [email protected]
