TERRORISM IN NIGERIA: THE ESCALATION OF BANDITRY

BY: MUKORO GEORGINA ONOSOMOWHO

What was considered a problem limited to few regions has gradually spread, affecting communities, schools and economic activities. Banditry has become one of the most pressing security issues in Nigeria, it consists of a variety of different criminal acts from attacking entire village to murder, rape, and arson. It has been recognized as a global problem in Africa, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria. Banditry has been present in other countries in Africa such as Egypt; Kenya; Mozambique; and Zimbabwe.

It’s really quite a tangled web, isn’t it? This whole surge in banditry we’re seeing, it seems to be deeply connected to those Islamist extremist groups up North, the ones we all know as Boko Haram. Now, I’ve heard Boko Haram’s been around for ages, supposedly dating back to the early 1900s, which is just mindboggling to think about, really. But it’s not just Boko Haram’s direct assaults causing all the trouble. We also have this ongoing, and frankly, heartbreaking, conflict between farmers and herders. You know, the Fulani herdsmen, they’re often just trying to find enough decent grazing land for their cattle to survive, which is a basic need, right? But in their search for these ‘greener pastures,’ as they say, they’ve unfortunately been responsible for a shocking number of deaths across Nigeria. And Boko Haram, well, their actions have been truly devastating. They’ve been involved in horrific kidnappings, brutal rapes, and outright murders of Nigerians, all with this stated goal of trying to impose their version of Islam on the country. It’s just awful to even write down. And then, just when you think things couldn’t get more alarming, we have these recent events, like the kidnapping of about 45 schoolchildren in Oyo State.

That incident, in particular, has really shoved this whole issue back into the national spotlight, reminding everyone just how serious and pervasive this threat from bandits has become.

It’s quite striking, isn’t it, how the narrative around terrorist incidents can shift so dramatically? I remember the Chibok girls’ abduction in Borno State, a truly horrific event that, unfortunately, became a political football. It felt like a deliberate campaign, a way to score points and undermine then-President Goodluck Jonathan, all with the aim of ousting him from power. That was a long time ago, twelve years now, a milestone that brings a chilling sense of déjà vu when we look at recent events.

Fast forward to today, and we’ve seen another deeply disturbing abduction, this time of 45 schoolchildren in Oyo State. What’s truly unsettling, and frankly, a bit disheartening, is the stark contrast in the public and political reaction. Instead of widespread condemnation and outrage directed at President Tinubu, there’s been this unnerving quiet. It’s as if the nation collectively held its breath, but then let it out with a sigh rather than a roar.

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When you trace the ghastly lineage of these attacks, from Chibok to Dapchi, Kankara, Kuriga, and now this latest one in Oriire in Oyo State, it paints a grim picture. It makes you wonder, in all seriousness, where is a child supposed to find safety in this country? If the very place where they should be learning, growing, and feeling secure, the classroom can be so brutally violated, then what sense of security can any parent truly have? It’s a question that weighs heavily on the mind, and one that, sadly, seems to be met with a deafening silence.

You know, it’s quite unsettling when you think about it, it’s been more than three weeks now, over twenty long days, since that disturbing abduction happened in the Oriire Local Government area. The news has been circulating, and from what the reporters on the ground are piecing together, the situation remains incredibly tense, the Bandits stormed schools in Oriire Local Government and abducted 45 pupils and 7 teachers before escaping into a nearby forest, on the 20th day of the abduction, the Bandits beheaded one of the school teachers, the Bandits thereafter made four demands: 1 billion Naira ransom to be paid into an account in Benin Republic; release of terrorists currently held in Agodi and Abolongo prisons; 2 Hilux vehicles; and the introduction of Sharia law into Oyo State. What is the assurance that we all are safe in our homes? When terrorism is slowly but steadily creeping into the Southern and Eastern part of Nigeria.

It strikes me that the government really ought to be thinking about bolstering our forest reserves. I mean, it sounds a bit out of left field, right? Like, how does planting more trees help with, well, the big scary stuff? But honestly, I reckon it could be a surprisingly potent move against terrorism. Think about it, vast protected natural areas can be incredibly difficult to monitor. If they’re well-managed and perhaps even patrolled by dedicated rangers, they become less of a haven for illicit activities. It’s like creating a natural buffer zone, you know?

And then there’s this whole kerfuffle about establishing a State Police force. It’s been rattling around in the Legislative House for ages, hasn’t it? People are really going back and forth on it, weighing the pros and cons. The idea is that local forces could be more responsive to the unique needs and challenges of specific regions. It’s not a simple yes or no answer, is it? There are definitely valid points on both sides. I just hope they can come to a decision that truly serves the public good and makes communities feel safer, whatever that looks like in the end.