Ethnic Profiling and Violence in Nigeria

 Samuel Olomu

Nigerians seem to enjoy profiling and pouring invectives on one another especially whenever they congregate in their in-groups to discuss the Nigerian condition. In fact the comments section in many online articles on controversial issues about Nigeria often appears to be open arenas for inter-ethnic, inter-regional or inter-religious rivalry, in the course of the foregoing hate speeches are readily deployed and unavoidable to castigate the others while defending the in-group. If God is to be questioned I would have asked him these two burning questions: why did God not create everyone in Nigeria to only one ethnic group? Why are we all not of the same religion?These two questions are the cause of the current happenings across the country today, and particularly the raging ethnic disharmony currently  going on in the Southern states. Profiling an ethnic group in Nigeria as evil or the perpetrator of social violence is therefore predominant. The ease with which Nigerians indulge in venomous hate-filled ethnic, religious and regional profiling on a whim raises a fundamental question of how to control the menace without undermining the free speech principle that is a key building block of democracy.

In a country like Nigeria, terrorism which in fact is the rare part of social violence is a growth industry. Only few contemporary lives remain untouched by its diffused effects. National elections have been influenced by terrorism and other social violence, most notabe in Nigeria and some other African states, even the world powerful nations like USA, Spain and Australia are not left out. Most elections violence in Nigeria are caused by myraid of reasons but ethnicity takes a larger part of it. For instance, people will always support a political candidate from their own ethnic group. They are not concerned of whether the candidate will be accountable or not all they want is "their persons in power" and they can do anything to drive home their wishes and as a result anything that happens in the electioneering process either good or bad will be addressed to the entire ethnic group.

Though ethnic profiling is evil but it cannot be avoided. It may lead to civil and social dissonance an history of which could be traced back to the colonial period. The colonialists while pretending to carry out a mission of uniting the warring ethnic groups in Nigeria, wilfully and systematically separated the various Nigerian people thereby creating a leveled playing ground for conflict, terrorism and other social vices. Instead of fighting for national consciousness, the tendency of the various nationals is toward parochial, ethnocentrical and regional consciousness. The viability of ethnic profiling has been contributing to the worsening orgy of violence and terrorism in Nigeria.

Nigeria's problems are rooted in "ethnic competitions and violence". In the medieval there are a lot of inter-intra ethnic rivalries: Ife/Modakeke, Ogoni and Andonis, Sagamu, Kano, Junkuns/Tivs, etc, which is also prevalent in today's Nigeria. The Northern Nigerians are known and profiled as extremists, jihadists, terrorists and the most violent people while the Southerners are profiled as internet scammers, drug dealers and ritualists. If you are a northerner you will like to blame kidnapping, violence and rape on "criminals" rather than the "Fulani herders". And if you are a Southerner, you will want "scamming" , "drug dealings" and "rituals" be attributed to "criminals" and not Southerners but perhaps will blame all incidence of "kidnapping" and "rape" on northerners and vice versa. What is our imbroglio?

The Nigerian security fabric is undoubtedly corrupt, inept and unsuited to cope with the present day crimes. The perennial inefficiency caused by poor security architecture is one of the standing cause of ethnic identities of criminals.

Evidently, Nigeria has been battling with forms of insecurity and violence for decades. In 1960s, Nigerians faces the issue of political violence which is caused by politicians trying to establish a hold on their domains in the post-colonial state. Armed robbery became our greatest problem after the civil war in the 70s. In the 1980s and 1990s, ethnic and religious conflict proved the biggest challenges to the state and which in fact is the cause of all societal ills up till now. The 2000s and 2010s witnessed the birth of insurgency and extremism especially in Northern Nigeria. It was within this year's that the devastating Boko Haram insurgency was birthed.

The growing cases of kidnapping, banditry insurgency and terrorism has came to expose demimonde of the security fabric. Nigeria, with the increasing cases of insecurity has been defined as the homestead of insecurity. Nigeria was ranked as the third in the Global Terrorism Index in 2020 which is caused by the brewing socio-political crisis as manifested today. Reports of killings has been the matter of contention which is becoming a daily affair in Nigeria. No part of the country is immune of this violence, although a section of the country may have relatively higher incidences than the other. 

It is the utmost duty of the federal government to abash the evil of ethnic profiling and be committed to the nations worsening insecurity. Until this issues are addressed by the law enforcement and other security agencies, the ethnic and religious profiling could distract us from our responsibilities in curbing this menace.

The point is ethnocentrical prejudice should be separated from crimes. Until this is achieved, our fights against insurgency will end up unfinished.

The judicial sector of the country must be accountable and impartial in trying cases of crimes irrespective of the status, position, tribe or financial buoyancy of the criminals or their sponsors. They should be alert to their responsibilities diligently and swiftly. Today alot of cases involving heinous crimes of rape, murder, kidnapping and other social vices has been discharged by the court of law for want of evidence or sometimes annulled due to one reason or the other which is totally injust. Crimes now take a normal definition in our individual's dictionary. Some will say it is "not murder", "not rape", "not kidnapping" but a "mere rape", "mere murder" and "mere kidnapping". The judiciary should take a firm stand to always discharge their onerous responsibilities with no fear or favour as this will prove a great vaccination to this menace.

Conferences, rallies and workshops should be staged by the government to educate the masses on the differences between ethnicity and violence. Insecurity is by no doubt upsurge in the country now and this should accentuate the Buhari's administration to think and rethink its internal security strategies.

We all as citizens and genuine lovers of peace should speak up to defend the common good of us all. We should detest from ethnic profiling , crimes and evil and should play our own parts to save the country from the verge of anarchy.

KIDNAPPING, TERRORISM AND BANDITRY: IS NIGERIA A FAILED STATE?

 Samuel Olomu

Today the heightened cases of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other social vices has ravaged the Nigerian atmosphere in recent time thereby leaving the direct answer ringing in all hearts that Nigeria is a failed state in failing to protect her citizens and indeed the very existence of the Nigerian state. This article examines the act of terrorism in Nigeria in a bid to understanding the continual existence of the menace despite strong measures adopted by the government to counter this acts. 

Terrorism under Nigerian Laws remains undefined. The absence of a strong Anti-Terrorism Act or measure to address terrorism has been a clog on the path of justice, and even in the advent of one, the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2011, this problem is still on the upswing. Going by the definition of terrorism by the Act, motive is one of the predominant reason why terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or whatever we might call it is treated differently from other criminal acts. Motives of which may include; religious motives, which infact is being witnessed in Nigeria today and the legal and political motives. Nigeria is a State which has about 250-300 ethnic groups which are subdivided into three main ethnic groups of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Each ethnic group  has its own predominant religion. The Northern part of Nigeria is known majorly for Islam: the belief of which they hold  in high esteem. The religious motive sets in, in a bid to protect ones religion or brotherhood. The Muslims claims: Islam is a religion of peace. Not all Muslims main, but some of them do. To generalise, will land us in stereotype. If anyone in the northern part of Nigeria kills, people tend to take the matter up and regard it as: "Islam is Violence".The love of the brotherhood now or the religious motive sets in at this stage when the entire ummah will rise to defend the person. A case study is the recent allegation leveled against the Nigeria's Communication Minister, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami claiming support for terrorist  groups like:Taliban, Al-Qaeda and not Boko Haram. Angry Nigerians took up the matter and calls for his resignation. This met unsavory reactions from the Muslims who supported him and gives him assurance.

The government inability to protect its citizens is part of a growing list of state security failures. Many of the land borders in Nigeria, especially in the North lacks control measures and thereby becoming illegal routes and hibernation ground to terrorists to move dangerous weapons into their dominated areas. In 2013, in an interview with the Nigeria's Minister of Interior. Estimations of 1500 illegal trafficking routes known to the government, and about 84 legal entry routes into the country. The illegal routes serves the purpose of illegal importing and exporting of goods, arms and weapons. Hijacked or stolen oils in pipelines are exported via these routes which may also in a way affect the Nigerian economy.

In April 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped: 276 students; the Chibok girls. On 6th July 2013, Boko Haram attacked Government Secondary School in Mamudo, Yobe State, killing at least 42 people most of which were students with some staff members. Also, on 29th September 2013, Boko Haram kills forty-four teachers and students in the male hostel in the College of Agriculture in Gujba, Yobe State. Recently, another kidnapping incidence unraveled in Northern Nigeria in which 317 girls from the Government Girls Secondary School in Jagebe, Zamfara State were kidnapped. Are we to talk of the now rampant Fulani herdsmen attacks and incessant clashes with farmers. Last year, at least 76 farmers were fired upon by Boko Haram. Regrettably, the government who was unable to protect its citizens from vicious attacks has taken it upon the Military to fire the End SARS protesters and later denied the whole scenario. We cannot quench fire by setting more place ablaze.

The issue of inter-ethnic rivalry is yet another issue which is now on the increase. It was recently I heard about a market burnt and looted in Ibadan after a misunderstanding between a Yoruba and an Hausa man which eventually led to the riot. Five people were reported being killed as a result.

Nigeria has failed to support the military with needed arms which will supercede that of the terrorists. The military has been fighting a lost battle against the Boko Haram. The government has lost control of the country's security. It is now the belief of many that soldiers are 'candidates of death'. The NY Times reported the Boko Haram to be better equipped than the Nigerian military and able to carry out any attack in any part of the country, especially North,without any reprisals.Also, based on a research I made as regard the Armed Conflict and Location Event Database (ACLED),  the Boko Haram group has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths since their start in 2009.

Apart from the foregoing land incidences, there are a number of sea insecurities too. Sea security according to Solace Global is affected by a myraid of causes worldwide., Including territorial disputes, conflicts, environmental degradation and severe crimes. Modern piracy remains a pressing issue affecting Nigeria's sea trade despite years of counter proliferation efforts. The extreme fluctuations in market price of oil, however, caused the Nigerian pirates to transit to the more profitable kidnap for ransom operations thereby adding to the wave of insecurity in Nigeria.

A country that has no control over its economy is a failed State. A country where poverty has governed many is a failed State. Buhari:who has illegally retained military leaders for over 5 years despite their continued failure against Boko Haram has reinstated his stances. The whole story changed in January this year after the Kagara school boys mass kidnapping in Buhari's home town of Katsina which later made him change the military leadership. Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru was appointed the new Army Chief and staff General Lucky Irabor was appointed new Chief of Defence. Illegal retainment of political office holders is an evil to democracy and the corporate existence of the state.

There are pressing questions we need to ask ourselves. Why is Nigeria loosing the war against terrorism? Why is Boko Haram not vindicated? Until we can answer all these questions. At least President Muhammad Buhari still have two years before the expiration of his stay in power. It is possible he can still address this menace in the remaining period he has but improving the country's security at first will be a good start.

QUIET LIFE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE OR HUSTLE BUSTLE OF THE CITY

Samuel Olomu

I am going to speak for and against the two topics. First, it is pertinent to note that both the countryside and city has it own advantages and disadvantages. Most people in big cities believes people living in the countryside or local areas are people who sees less, poverty-stricken people, uncivilized and crooks. If I say I prefer the quiet life in the countryside to the hustle bustle of the city will you believe?

In the countryside you have some levels of freedom which can ever be enjoyed in the city. Freedom to walk anywhere, anytime and anyhow without restrictions is one of the bases I can advance as an advantage over the cities. In towns, there are places the common man are not allowed into. There are some streets you cannot just walk anyhow. The level of freedom in locals cannot in anyway be compared to that of the cities.

                           No freedom      

It has become a cliche and it therefore true that the atmosphere of the city is tense, bad and unfavorable compared to the fresh air which people in the countryside enjoys. In cities, the atmosphere is disturbed by smokes from industrial exhaust pipes, heineous smokes from cars and trucks and dust which has dangerous consequences and hampers some people's health. The city is busy, Yes! Noices of different kinds cannot be  inevitable. The horning of the vehicles, shouts of thugs, market bargaining, advertisement and the activities of conductors, also disturbs the atmosphere. 

                  Hustle bustle of the city

In cities you are prone to different problems of theft, pick-pocketing, accident, violence, kidnapping and other various human rights abuses. Jobless thugs can just walk up to you to snatch up any valuable things from you. Some will even come with arms. You just have to give them since you have no option and for the fear of being killed. Violence in various forms and manners are a part of the city. Many atimes, innocent bloods are being shed during cult members or cult-police clashes there by making everywhere unsafe. Also, kidnapping has taken different forms. When you board a bus going to area A, the bus may change direction to area B all for the purpose of using the passengers for rituals or kidnapping so a huge ransom could be demanded. The city is congested, so accident cannot be inevitable. On highways you can just see a truck smatch a car, a car or a truck jumps off lane and tumbles or a car hits a person. All these are not always part of the countryside. Everywhere is safe, everyone goes about his business with no fear.

                                Cult Clash 

                           Kidnap victim

Making it does no requires a special space or place. It is not until you go to the city before you can make headway. There are many people who are in the city jobless. They leaves their village in search of greener pastures. No greener pastures anywhere again, it has long been searched and used by people. Strategize and create one. There are quiet a number of people making it in the countryside. Though people also make it in cities because there are a lot of opportunities "over there" which infact is one of the advantages of the city but some people leaving there are still poor. They leaves little opportunities available for grabs in their localities and put in for the hustle bustle of the city. People in the countryside often see themselves often as being poor and uncivilized. As a popular Maxim has it 'wish yourself what you want people to wish you' . So people from the locals look up to their brothers and sisters in the city for provisions whereas the brother or sister may be a 'street walker', 'a fine boy or a fine girl begger', ' a jobless person'. We must learn to rethink our stances. I heard the story of a young man who leaves in Lagos. He hung out on one occasion with his friends. He was still begging his friends to buy him a bottle of Trophy when one of his sisters calls from the village to beg him to send her some money. You can also imagine. One thing we should all know is that the city is not a place where money is planted and harvested. You have to strive and work harder. Until we know this we will continue to fail where we think we are making it right.

Rural-urban migration will be a very bad enemy to food production and security. If everyone is running for the countryside then how do we want the agricultural sector to develop. Most of the foods in the urban areas today are brought and traded into these cities from local areas. There are many opportunities in agriculture today. Though you can also engage in agriculture in the cities but it will be on a smaller scale since there are no lands to farm and the few once are costly. Nowadays, most youth runs from agriculture including me since nobody wants to be a farmer while some are still passionate about it. I know of a friend. He is in his finals in the Lagos State University studying Fisheries and Aquatic Biology. He said "after my graduation from the Lagos State University I am not seeking for any white-collar job. I want to be a farmer". I took a him by his words and I know he will surely be.

                               A farmer

Where are we coming from? Quiet life in the countryside prevents excessive spending. In the villages, you only buy what you need and not what you want. Compared to the cities where you need to buy everything. In the countryside, you spend less on foods, rent and the likes though most social services are not provided for by the government but people still live quiet, good and peaceably lives compared to the city where you spend much on food, rent, light, water, etc.

                                 Fresh foods

To me I prefer life in the countryside to the hustle bustle of the city but I have reasons living in the city.