By Theophilus Onojeghen
In the formative years of Boko Haram, an Islamic terror group that initially masqueraded as fighting for the interests of Muslim faithful in the region, many Northern Muslims, including religious and political leaders, emboldened them with their support. The support from the ‘Talakawas’ (commoners) and certain religious leaders fueled a menace that all Nigerians are now battling.
This is not to suggest all Muslims supported their activities. However, the terrorists began by attacking Christian soft targets before metastasizing into kidnapping and openly calling for the full Islamisation of the country. Early government action against the group was often condemned by certain Northerners, including political and religious figures. This dynamic created an environment of insecurity that was ultimately used to undermine the government of President Goodluck Jonathan. Today, we are all victims of the group’s atrocities.
The Parallel in the Southeast
In the Southeast, a similar narrative is being championed in the name of political marginalisation and the demand for a “Biafra Republic.” A majority of Igbos and some other Southerners have been sympathetic to the legitimate plight of Igbos within Nigeria. Yes, Igbos face marginalisation, but borrowing the “Northern Mistake” will completely perish the region.
The current level of security breaches and senseless killings in the region is alarming. The region’s economy is almost crippled. How does the killing of your kinsmen help the Biafra Republic cause? How does crippling the region’s economy advance the objective? Who truly benefits from the enforced ‘sit-at-home’ order every Monday?
What started as advocacy by IPOB has descended into actions by armed enforcers of secessionist orders, reckless kidnapping, and violence. Southeasterners must stop this madness. The ‘Northern Mistake’ must not be replicated in the Igbo communities of the Southeast.
A Call for Moral Courage
The time for silence is over. While some politicians, like the former Abia Governor, Senator Orji Kalu, have called out the violence, the Catholic and Anglican bishops must not act like certain Muslim clerics in the North did. Speak up! Condemn the killings in the Southeast unequivocally.
The ordinary people must stop being lured by the same elements that seize buses belonging to their kinsmen and set them ablaze. There are now more orphans in the region than there were three decades ago. Terrorists, hiding behind a secessionist narrative, slaughter traditional rulers and anyone opposed to their modus operandi.
Dear Southeasterners, let us not encourage this evil that has plagued the region to fester. There is a palpable absence of festivities in the Southeast. For fear of being kidnapped, killed, or tortured, Igbos can no longer travel home freely for Christmas, New Year, or the New Yam festivals. In some cases, entire villages are ghosted or turned into kidnapping dens. Is this the Biafra you truly desire?
The time to act is now! Igbos, rise and protect your homestead. Enough of the atrocities.
Shalom!
Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen is a journalist, Media consultant, and a developmental advocate.
