IGN!S
The insurgency in Nigeria’s Northern region is fast appearing to be politically motivated. At this juncture of the crisis, it is time to demand accountability from the government.
It is no longer news that Nigeria has become the scene of unbridled insurgency in recent times.
Armed groups loot and set fire to villages and frequently kidnap people for ransom, apparently with no ideological motive.
President Muhammadu Buhari was elected in 2015 on a campaign promise to eradicate the armed group Boko Haram, which has killed tens of thousands since it launched an armed in northeast Nigeria in 2009.
Amnesty International has said most villagers in this region complained of receiving little or no help from security officials, despite informing them prior or calling for help during attacks.
A witness to an attack in Unguwan Magaji in southern of Kaduna was quoted as saying by Amnesty.
“During the attack, our leaders called and informed the soldiers that the attackers are in the village, so the soldiers did not waste time and they came but when they came and saw the type of ammunition the attackers had they left,”
“The following morning so many soldiers came with their Hilux pick-up trucks to see the dead bodies.”
Osai Ojigho, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, decried reported abuse of civilians who asked for more official help and protection.
He said:
“In their response to these attacks, the Nigerian authorities have displayed gross incompetence and a total disregard for people’s lives,” . “Arresting people who dare to ask for help is a further blow.”
The escalating violence has forced many farmers and their families from their homes while thousands could not cultivate their farms during the 2020 rainy season because of fear of attacks or abduction, according to Amnesty.
It said that in Katsina state, at least 33,130 people were living in displacement camps, while others have headed to urban areas to stay with relatives.
It seems that the Nigerian Government is being too lax with the situation of security in Northern Nigeria and it would not be too far fetched to consider the laxity to be an endorsement of the increasing violence.
The Nation has prayed and is still praying,… but it is about time the government gave the answers.
