By Sani Danaudi Mohammed
Thomas Hobbes and Aristotle had different views on governance. Hobbes believed a strong central authority was necessary, while Aristotle emphasized virtuous leaders. In Nigeria’s North, decades of leadership failures have contributed to the current crisis. The once peaceful Northern Nigeria is now brewing into a conflict zone, from Maitatsine to Boko Haram, farmers and herders conflicts, and now banditry. When will the North have peace? The region’s challenges are complex, with historical, ethnic, and religious factors playing significant roles.
The Sardauna of Sokoto and Sir Tafawa Balewa were key figures in uniting the North. Despite their efforts, the region faces ongoing challenges, including ethno-religious tensions and competition for resources. Some notable crises in Northern Nigeria include the Maitatsine Riots in the 1980s, which led to widespread violence and deaths in Kano State. The Kano State Religious Riots in 1982 were sparked by religious tensions, while the Kaduna Sharia Riots in 2000 were protests over the implementation of Sharia law and the Jos crisis in 2001.The Boko Haram Insurgency, which began in 2009, has had a devastating impact on multiple states, including Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. Farmer-herder conflicts have also been a recurring issue, affecting various states, including Benue, Plateau, and Kogi. Banditry, which emerged around 2015, has marked by kidnappings and attacks in Zamfara, Kaduna, and other states.
The North’s crisis is marked by recurring patterns of violence, including Boko Haram, banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts. Historical events have exacerbated these issues, and the region’s challenges are interconnected. Addressing the root causes of instability requires a comprehensive approach. The Maitatsine riots and Boko Haram insurgency have had devastating impacts on the North, and the rise of banditry has further destabilized the region. These crises share common underlying factors, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities. Addressing these issues is crucial to reducing violence and promoting stability.
Who is behind these unending conflicts? Is it possible that various groups are involved, fueled by factors like desertification, population growth, and competition for resources? Who is benefiting from these conflicts, or is the nation as a whole suffering from instability, displacement, and economic loss? Is the North on a path of self-destruction, or are these issues stemming from deeper structural problems? Are these criminals and mindless groups testing the Nigerian State, or is the state’s ineffective response emboldening them? Are they bigger than our nation, or is it our collective failure to address these issues that’s allowing them to persist? Why the killings, yesterday in Plateau, today in Benue – who is next?
The recurring crises in Northern Nigeria, including the Benue killings and Boko Haram insurgency, have significantly shifted government attention and resources away from human and capital development. As the government focuses on addressing security challenges and providing humanitarian assistance, critical areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and economic growth often take a backseat. This diversion of resources and attention can have long-term consequences, exacerbating poverty, unemployment, and social unrest, ultimately undermining the region’s development and stability.
The North Central states face unique challenges, with farmer-herder conflicts and emerging trends of banditry and terrorism. The situation requires urgent attention and a nuanced approach. Understanding the local context is essential to developing effective solutions. The complexity of these issues demands a multifaceted response, taking into account the historical, social, and economic factors that contribute to the crisis. Functional community policing and traditional institutions are essential to maintaining order and promoting stability.
Successive governments have failed to implement meaningful reforms and hold perpetrators accountable. This lack of accountability has contributed to ongoing violence and instability. The absence of effective governance has led to poverty, unemployment, and social unrest. Poverty, unemployment, and drug abuse have fueled conflicts in the North, and the lack of economic opportunities and social services has contributed to youth restiveness. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including economic development and social services.
President Bola Ahmad Tinubu should prioritize economic development, security reforms, and social services. He should engage with local leaders and support initiatives that address the root causes of instability. By investing in infrastructure and promoting economic growth, Tinubu’s administration can help stabilize the region. Concrete actions are necessary to demonstrate commitment to the North’s development. Governors like Bago, Imbah, and Inuwa Yahaya have launched agricultural drives to boost economic development, offering a model for other states. Investing in agriculture and infrastructure can reduce poverty and unemployment, and transforming the region into an industrial hub can achieve sustainable development.
The Benue killings are a tragic and recurring issue that has left deep scars on the people of Benue State. The attacks, often carried out by suspected herdsmen, have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of communities. The humanitarian challenges posed by this crisis are substantial, and the need for comprehensive support and services is pressing.
The Nigerian government, at both federal and state levels, has a critical role to play in addressing the Benue killings. The Senate has directed security operatives to swiftly curb the proliferation of arms and ensure adequate funding for security measures. President Muhammadu Buhari has also condemned the attacks, directing security agencies to enhance surveillance and review security management in affected areas.
To bring an end to the carnage, stakeholders must come together to address the root causes of the conflict. Establishing ranches, revitalizing community policing, and investing in economic development and infrastructure can help reduce poverty and unemployment, providing young people with alternatives to violence and conflict. Justice and accountability are also essential in building trust and stability in affected communities.
By working together and adopting a comprehensive approach, it’s possible to achieve sustainable development and provide opportunities for young people. Governors like Bago, Imbah, and Inuwa Yahaya have shown that investing in agriculture and infrastructure can be a powerful way to boost economic development. With justice, fairness, and a commitment to building a more peaceful and prosperous future, the Benue killings can be brought to an end.
The Benue killings highlight a complex web of stakeholders. Community leaders and traditional institutions have a crucial role in promoting peace and understanding between different groups. They can facilitate dialogue and help resolve disputes before they escalate into violence. Security agencies are responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and holding perpetrators accountable. However, their effectiveness is often hindered by inadequate resources, poor coordination, and allegations of bias.
State governments can address the root causes of conflicts, such as land disputes and lack of economic opportunities. They can also support community-led initiatives and provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities. The federal government has a critical role in providing overall leadership, developing national policies, and allocating resources to address security challenges. The National Assembly can provide oversight, pass relevant legislation, and ensure adequate funding for security and development initiatives. The judiciary is essential in upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Given the complexity of these issues, it is unlikely that the North is on a path of self-destruction. Rather, the region faces significant challenges that require a coordinated and sustained response from all stakeholders. The cycle of violence can be broken with effective governance, community engagement, and economic development. Ultimately, the North’s future depends on the ability of stakeholders to work together to address these challenges and build a more peaceful and prosperous region.
Danaudi, Writes from Bauchi via danaudicomrade@gmail.com
