The state of insecurity across Nigeria is not only becoming worrisome but also assuming a dangerous level of leaving us with multiplier effects.
Northern Nigeria, the most insecurity-ravaged region of the country, has been threatened by a myriad of damaging consequences, putting into jeopardy its age-long peaceful existence. Out of the 19 northern states, only one or two states can be said to be peaceful and not have serious security issues.
The problem, whose known genesis was the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, metamorphosed into kidnapping for ransom in the North West and North Central which snowballed into banditry that has caused the killing of hundreds of people.
In addition to its abundant human and mineral resources, the region equally boasts of many people who have been holding top leadership positions since 1999.
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The problem in the region also cuts across other sectors such as education, with the high number of out-of-school children.
The report by the NBS indicates the poverty level in the North is the highest as commercial activities in most of the states in the region have declined.
Unfortunately, the leaders, most especially the state governors in the North, never speak or unite and make a strong statement on the insecurity in the region or even come up with a united position on ways to stop the killings and kidnapping of innocent citizens.
During the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the South West governors, after examining the security threats to their region, met and set up a local security outfit which they named Amotekun to work for the protection of their people. I can say that was a clear message to the then presidency that it failed in the protection of the people of that region.
At that period, aside the Borno State government, none of the northern states did anything to complement the military and police in protecting the people but rather they always found an easy route to Abuja to complain. Some governors even succumbed to the bandits by having agreement or peace pact with them.
While it leaves me wondering, it is not out of place to imagine that the good times are for the region’s political leaders, while the rough times are for the poor, because the leaders are protected by a phalanx of security forces. Their protection is not only during public gatherings or office hours but including at their houses while the poor people are at the mercy of bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.
The regional political elite, when aspiring or contesting for any political position, they do that with no policy document or clearly stated agenda to show their plan for their people. They are just ultra-selfish elite class, who are only interested in power for themselves and their families.
Unfortunately, neither the old nor the youth of the region bother to provide a comprehensive agenda to the candidates in their respective states or even presidential candidates so that when they win, they can be held responsible for any failure.
With the current deteriorating security situation, increase in out-of-school children, unemployed youth and the poverty level, the northerners must rise and save their region, its future and the future of its young people through selection or electing quality leaders at all levels.
Alhassan A. Bala resides in Abuja and can be reached via [email protected]
