Nigerian army-Boko Haram ceasefire – reason for cheer or cause for alarm?

Lessons for the West

The press was awash with news of a purported ceasefire agreed between the Nigerian military and the terrorist group, Boko Haram about ten days ago. The agreement was reached in Saudi Arabia with the Saudi authorities making it clear that it did broker the meeting. I had contemplated posting this piece around that time but it was delayed.

To some it was a reason for cheer considering the fact that it might signal the end of the havoc and mayhem the sect has been unleashing on Nigeria and probably lead to the release of the Chibok girls. To others, it was cause for concern as they feared the terrorists might be up to some mischief. They felt it could be a ploy to buy time and recoup in the face of recent heavy losses incurred by the sect at the hands of the military. They also feared the move might be construed as giving legitimacy and bargaining ground to the sect. The people holding these opinions would have expected the military to build on the on-going successes on the field to completely rout the terrorists. Another set of people believed that the whole thing was a political gimmick by the present administration to shore up support in view of approaching elections. They questioned why such an agreement was not made before now.

Events, few hours after the purported ceasefire and recently seem to confirm the fears of the second group of people. The ceasefire appear to have collapsed although there are still expressions of optimism as to its workability and the release of the Chibok girls.

One thing is clear. The situation is very complex with underlying intertwined personal, religious, political, sectional and external dimensions acting to sabotage national interest. Nigerian politicians make the situation murkier with accusations and counter accusations of all sorts. Boko Haram is a pain in the neck to the Nigerian people. Patriotic citizens are at a loss understanding what joy this sect derives in inflicting untold hardship on the nation.

Nations feeling secure, feeling that invasion by terrorists is a remote possibility had better wake up from their slumber. There is need for a global collaboration to confront the malaise of terrorism. A decade ago, Nigerians shudder and shake their heads in pity when they read the atrocities terrorists unleash on people in other parts of the world. Never in their imagination did they think that it could happen in their own land. These sects often start as ordinary religious groups and transform into dangerous brands when they have enough foothold. Nations the world over, especially the West must carefully monitor the activities of groups with radical tendencies and nip them in the bud. A group that said it was a normal religious group was discovered recently in the bush in another state in northern Nigeria. The government had become wise enough to realize it had to quickly disperse the group. Religious fundamentalists from the East are systematically permeating the sleeping West. They are trooping over to the West and having a field day all in the name of democracy and freedom while Christianity and Christians are being strangulated and never allowed a foothold in the Sharia lands. These people quickly multiply because of the polygamous lifestyle. Youths are attracted because of the very physical nature of the religion. The earlier the West wakes up from its slumber the better for her and for the rest of the world.

The toll of the evil escapades of Boko Haram has been particularly heavy on Christians. Although there are political statements here and there that the sect is the enemy of all, it is unmistakeably clear to discerning people that Christians are their prime targets. These terrorists are primarily anti-Christians. The ISIS sent many Christians packing from their homes and killed others in Iraqi towns.

The question is what is the way out of this quagmire for Nigeria? What is the propelling force behind terrorism and radical Islam? What is the mind-set of a terrorist? What are the international dimensions and conspiracies behind radicalism and terrorism? Do we really understand these people? How do we find a lasting solution to this menace?

It is obvious that addressing the Boko Haram onslaught requires more that bullets, armoured tanks and fighter jets. Yes, Nigeria needs brawn, but much more than that, Nigeria needs brains and bended-knees. There is need for prayer!

I believe in prayers and divine intervention. Countless churches have been burnt in the affected regions. Many lives have been brutally cut short - children, men and women, mostly Christians. Even those in other parts of the country are apprehensive and not fully secure with explosions and suicide bombing taking place sporadically. But we can change this. It begins at the personal level. Christians must sincerely pray about this every day. Try to picture what fellow believers have gone through in the affected regions. Develop empathy. Think about the calm and peace the country will enjoy if this battle is won. Moderate Muslims can help speak to their brothers and preach peace. The image radical sects give to Muslims is very negative.

The Government can do more. There should be a critical and definitive dissection of the problem. There must be the will power to carry out what must be done. Believers, at individual, church and national levels must pray to God to guide the country’s leaders aright.

Power Lines/Gilberto A. T. D. de Lima