Insecurity in Northern Nigeria & Us
Written by: Aman Mohammed Shehu
Recently, a group of female students were kidnapped from the Federal University in Gusau, Nigeria by bandits, in which their private accommodation was raided. They were taken into the bush (Nigerian slang for forest) and were going to be taken as hostages if the Nigerian Army had not come to rescue a portion of them. That said, only 13 of the original 24 students have been found and brought to safety so far, leaving much of the world and NIgerian families in confusion and despair on their still missing loved ones. This incident prompted a widespread movement on social media represented through the trending hashtag #BringBackFugusGirls. Today, I write to shed light on the current insecurity and disparity grappling Northern Nigeria.
I was 6 years old when the Chibok girls had been kidnapped and the #BringBackOurGirls tag was being used worldwide, where even the former first lady of the United States Michelle Obama advocated for them. Fast forward to 2023, not all of them have been returned to their families. As a Northerner, it breaks my heart that my fellow sisters aren’t safe wherever they go, whether it is Boko Haram or the activities of bandits. Northern Nigeria is currently bleeding because her children are being slaughtered everyday and our governors and president have refused to do anything about it.
Where there is a problem, there is most always a root cause. The origin of our current strife and difficulties in Northern Nigeria is the fact that many of us are not educated. Compared to the rest of the country, we hold the greatest proportion of illiterate citizens. Also, the grave economic disparities, lack of opportunities and empowerment programs cause our growing generation to struggle with employment and life-building, thus leading them to ultimately join the insurgents or bandits, only perpetuating the cycle that is the current state of misfortune.
The saddest reality is that Northern Nigeria is the largest region in the country. This fact makes it the most diverse, both ethnically and religiously. Because of this, clashes and religious strife regularly plague our society and cause it to be a national hardship.
Manifestations of Insecurity
“If an insurgency lasts for more than 24 hours, a government official has a hand in it.”
Late General Sani Abacha.
In April of 2014, the Boko Haram insurgents captured 276 girls, the majority of whom were Christian. These men are terrorists who have been kidnapping children and historically destabilizing the Borno area. Few of these girls escaped, fewer were rescued by the Nigerian Armed Forces, and over a hundred of these young girls are still missing to date.
This insurgency is just one of the few causes of the rapidly growing insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Bandits, clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen, and frequent kidnappings going on in the region only add to this current struggle for social safety.
And these concerns have only escalated and grown more severe with time. In 2014, one could travel from Abuja (the capital to the border state Kaduna) by road or train safely without fear. Now, because of the frequent car hijacking and kidnapping on the Abuja-Kaduna road and Abuja-Kaduna railway, individuals can barely partake in their travels without serious life threats. This is due to none other than the increased insecurity that has been plaguing the region for years.
Devastating Consequences
Although the region is increasingly threatened by the constant strife and security challenges posed by the terrorists, Northern governors have not taken the necessary steps in order to stop or at least reduce the growing insecurity. Really, the only governor we can say who has fostered significant efforts toward developing security is Babagana Umara Zulum. He has created and employed inspiring tactics that have ensured the safety of the residents of Borno State. Though we are grateful and impassioned by these evocations of action, as a people, we Northerners still have a long way to go.
But, with the likes of El-Rufai, Zulum, and others, we can sit down and address the issues at hand and ways to secure the North.
The Power of Social Media & Changing the Future
The main reason why many of our issues are known by the outside world is that we have actually seen and utilized the media as a way to spread awareness about the trials our people are going through. From #SecuretheNorth to #BringBackFugusGirls, these important campaigns have effectively helped to educate people about the insecurity problem in Northern Nigeria and assisted in getting the attention of organisations like the UN and Amnesty International. There is true power in the scope of these rising, globalized platforms, and it is our civil duty to take advantage of them.
Here is a compilation of organizations and petitions dedicated to helping address insecurity in Northern Nigeria that all of us can take advantage of, contribute to, and do more to learn about:
1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - UNDP has been working with the Nigerian government to address the underlying causes of insecurity in the region. They provide support for rule of law, governance, and socio-economic development to promote peace and stability.
2. Amnesty International - Amnesty International investigates and raises awareness about human rights abuses in Northern Nigeria, including violence, extrajudicial killings, and forced displacements. They also call for justice and accountability for these crimes.
3. Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) - OSIWA supports various projects aimed at promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and good governance in Northern Nigeria. They provide funding and resources to local organizations working on issues like conflict resolution, security sector reform, and human rights.
4. Global Peace Foundation (GPF) - GPF implements programs to foster interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and community resilience in Northern Nigeria. They work with religious leaders and youth to promote peace, preventing the spread of extremist ideologies.
5. Human Rights Watch (HRW) - HRW conducts research and advocacy on human rights violations in Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by insecurity. They document abuses, support affected communities, and engage with policymakers to push for change.
6. Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE) - EiE is a youth-led organization that advocates for good governance, accountability, and security in Nigeria. They run campaigns to raise awareness about insecurity issues and organize public protests and peaceful demonstrations.
7. Petition: Call for Increased Security Measures in Northern Nigeria - This petition on Change.org urges the Nigerian government to enhance security measures in Northern Nigeria and protect vulnerable communities. It highlights the need for proactive engagement, intelligence gathering, and adequate resource allocation to address the region's insecurity.
8. Petition: Support Victims of Insecurity in Northern Nigeria - This petition calls for increased support and resources for the victims of insecurity in Northern Nigeria. It requests humanitarian aid, protection, and rehabilitation measures for the affected individuals and communities.
As a Northerner, I feel a sense of responsibility towards my brothers and sisters to amplify our voices beyond the borders of Nigeria.
