Who Will Heal The Northern Nigeria?

 By Sani Danaudi Mohammed 

The North is currently facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions. The current wave of conflicts and the resurgence of the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno state, the killings in Benue, Niger, and Plateau states in the North-central call for urgent action. The situation is dire, and the people of the North are crying for help. The attacks have left many dead, while the survivors are living in fear. The North needs healing, and it needs it fast.

The killings in Benue, Niger, and Plateau states are a stark reminder of the security challenges facing the North. The killings are senseless, and the perpetrators seem to have no regard for human life. The federal and state governments are working tirelessly to overcome the situation, but their efforts seem not enough. The people of the North are losing hope, and something needs to be done urgently. The North needs leaders who can bring people together and provide a sense of security and stability.

In the North-west, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states have recently been in the news for the wrong reasons. The insecurity in these states is a cause for concern, and the governments of these states need to take urgent action to address the situation. The people of these states are living in fear, and it is the responsibility of the governments to protect them. The insecurity in the North-west is a reflection of the broader security challenges facing the country.

There is an urgent need for a Northern Security summit that will come up with an action plan to deal with the current wave of tensions and escalating conflicts in Northern Nigeria. The summit should bring together all stakeholders, including government officials, security experts, and community leaders, to discuss the security challenges facing the North and come up with solutions. The summit should focus on finding ways to address the root causes of the conflicts and provide a sense of security and stability to the people.

The question on everyone’s mind is, “Who is safe in the North?” It seems no one is safe, including travellers who are being ambushed and brutally killed. Recently, in Mangu local government area of Plateau state some travelers from Zaria, Kaduna state and another group from Kano were attacked, leaving many dead. This tragedy has left everyone in panic, fearing for their lives. The people of the North are living in fear, and something needs to be done urgently to address the situation.

The North is no enemy of itself, but the current wave of crisis suggests otherwise. Those killing the northerners are northerners, and this is a serious concern. The conflicts in the North are beyond farmers-herders crisis; they are genocide and crimes against humanity. If people are being killed in the North-central because they are Christians, then what about those being killed in Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and other core northern states? The North needs to come together to address the security challenges facing the region.

The current northern conflicts require a collective resolve of all stakeholders, including governors, religious and traditional leaders, community leaders, and youth organisations. Serving top and retired security personnel, led by former top-ranking leaders like ex-presidents, must come together to heal the North. The North needs leaders who can bring people together and provide a sense of security and stability.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought forward ministers of defense, the former governors of Jigawa and Zamfara states, in addition to the national security adviser, opening up discussions and northern collaborations with the presidency to attend to the present security needs. This is a step in the right direction, and the president needs to be commended for his efforts. However, more needs to be done to address the security challenges facing the North.

The North must stop pretending and stop playing politics with the lives of Nigerians whom they took an oath to protect. The people of the North deserve quality education, healthcare, a good economy, and, above all, peace and stability. The artificial crisis in the North is enough; it is time for the North to come together and work towards a common goal of peace and stability.

The people of the North are crying out for help, and it is the responsibility of the governments and leaders to give that help. The North needs healing, and it needs it fast. The North is at a crossroads, and its future hangs in the balance. The choice is clear: continue down the path of violence and instability or work towards a brighter future.

The North can no longer afford to be held hostage by the forces of violence and extremism. For decades, the region was known for its rich cultural heritage, peaceful coexistence, and economic prosperity. The North was a beacon of hope, with its vibrant markets, bustling cities, and fertile agricultural lands. However, over the years, the region has been plagued by violence, insecurity, and instability. The once-peaceful coexistence among different ethnic and religious groups has given way to tensions and conflicts.

What went wrong? The North’s decline can be attributed to a combination of factors. One major factor is the rise of extremist groups, such as Boko Haram, which has wreaked havoc on the region. The group’s ideology, which seeks to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law, has led to the destruction of lives, property, and infrastructure. Additionally, the North’s economic decline, coupled with poor governance and corruption, has created an environment conducive to violence and instability.

The people of the North deserve better, and it is the responsibility of the governments and leaders to deliver. The North needs a new era of leadership, one that prioritises peace, stability, and development. This can be achieved through inclusive governance, where all stakeholders are given a voice and a chance to participate in the decision-making process. The governments and leaders must also prioritise economic development, investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. By doing so, the North can regain its former glory and become a hub of economic activity and cultural exchange.

The North’s past glory is still remembered by its people, who yearn for a return to peace and stability. The region’s rich cultural heritage, including its ancient cities, historical landmarks, and vibrant traditions, is a testament to its former greatness. However, the current state of insecurity and instability has made it difficult for the North to realise its full potential. The people of the North are eager for change, and it is up to the governments and leaders to provide it.

To heal the North, it’s essential to develop critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, to stimulate growth and create jobs. Additionally, fighting illiteracy by increasing access to quality education, particularly in rural areas, is crucial.

By addressing poverty, tackling youth restiveness through education and employment opportunities, and reducing unemployment through job creation initiatives, the North can overcome its challenges. The governments and leaders must prioritise the needs of the people, promote inclusive governance, and work towards creating a more peaceful and prosperous society, ultimately leading to healing and realising the North’s full potential.

As the North teeters on the brink of uncertainty, one thing is clear: the future of our region hangs in the balance. Will we continue down the path of division, violence, and instability, or will we come together to forge a new path of peace, progress, and prosperity? The tears of our mothers, the cries of our children, and the blood of our innocent citizens demand that we make a choice. The North needs healing, and it needs it now. Let us put aside our differences and work towards a brighter future, for the sake of our beloved North and the generations yet unborn.

*Danaudi is a Bauchi-based commentator on public issues  (danaudicomrade@gmail.com)