By: Nurudeen Dauda
To start with, the bombings of people who gathered for “Maulud”on the 3rd of December, 2023 by the Nigerian army “drone” in “Tudun Biri”of Igabi LGA of Rigasa District in Kaduna state is very disheartening. Is it an “Intelligence” or “commanding” and or “technical” failure? Why is it a “recurring” incident under a professional armed force like ours? Should we continue to accept a “repeated” incident of this nature as mistake?
This must not be “swept” under the “carpet” as the previous ones. There “should” and or “must” be a “thorough” and “transparent” investigation to “unravel” the real “causes” of this “avoidable” “disaster” in order to prevent a repeat. There must be payment of “Diyya”(Blood Money) to the families of the “deceases” by the government. Appropriate “Diyya” should be given! By the weekly report of last Friday 17th Jumadal Ula 1445H(1st December, 2023) Blood money is N229,876,000 per head. Source: Islamic timing and research org.
However, it seems like we have not learnt any “lesson” from Boko Haram crisis. Conspiracy theories made it last longer than necessary. We are at it again! There are now so many conspiracy theories being dished out left- right and centre by many people especially politicians on the unfortunate incident of Tudun Biri. It is “sad” to note that we often “politicize” security issues or whip “ethnic” or “regional” and or “religious” sentiments on it.
Conspiracy theories both nationally and internationally were “responsible for the escalation of Boko Haram crisis beyond imagination. From the onset, some non- western educated people supported the “sect” because they erroneously believed that western educated people (‘Yan Boko) were agents of “corruption”, inequality, injustice, and embezzlement which are all taught in western schools. Some people in Borno state were clapping, dancing, and rejoicing anytime Boko Haram hit security agencies. The sect members were initially being “hailed” and “shielded” by their parents, brothers, and sisters until it backfired.
In the same vein, during the “height” of Boko Haram crisis despite the fact that most of the Boko Haram leaders and members are “Kanuris” some northerners alleged that it was created by President Jonathan in order to “depopulate” the north. On the other hand, it was alleged that some southerners advised President Jonathan not to take the “fight” against Boko Haram “serious” because it was created by the north in order to embarrass him and make his government ungovernable. After all whose people were being killed by the sect! It was further alleged that it was a conspiracy theory that made President Jonathan to “doubt” the infamous abduction of Chibok school girls in 2014 until 17 days after.
Killings of Nigerians by the armed forces in the name of “mistakes” is increasingly becoming inexcusable. From the previous government to now it has happened in at lest eight different states of the federation; namely: Borno, Yobe, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, Nasarawa and Kaduna states. Let us continue to hold our political leaders to “account” on their primary responsibility of “protection” of our lives and “property” without prejudice on their “ethnic group” or “region” and or “religion”. They must be alive to their responsibilities!
For us to get it right, we must keep “ethnic” or “regional” and or “religious” politics aside in order to “understand” the root “causes” of our crises. It is high time we get back to our senses. Politicians will always use our sad moments as their political capital. A lot of politicians are playing politics with our sad moments in order to score some political points.
In my thought, most of the crises being faced by the north from farmer-herder clashes, cattle-rustling, armed banditry and kidnappings etc., are largely from within. It is important we understand it from this perspective and find a lasting solution than dishing out conspiracy theories.
As we acknowledge and salute the sacrifices being made by our gallant armed forces in protecting us we must therefore urge them to remain professional in their services to the nation.
May the Almighty Allah forgive the shortcomings of those who died in Tudun Biri. May God bless Nigeria!
Nurudeen writes from Kaduna, nurudeendauda24@yahoo.com
