Sir: Northern Nigeria, a region blessed with vast arable land and productive population has become shadow of its former self. The region has turned into theatre of war. From Borno to Sokoto, it is a gory story of blood-letting, arson and hordes of refugees. In fact, the once peaceful and prosperous region has been polarised along ethnic and religious fault lines.
In the early 60’s and late 80’s, North was synonymous with agriculture and hospitality. The region was the food basket of the nation. It enjoyed relative peace among the diverse ethnic population sandwiched together and shared common historical background.
Northern Nigeria is today characterised by poverty, illiteracy, ethnic and religious intolerance, cattle rustling, rampaging herdsmen killers and other crises of great magnitude.
As at the time of writing this, many communities in Taraba and Adamawa states have been sacked by ethnic militias. In Benue State, it is tussle between farmers and herdsmen. The people of Zamfara and Birni-Gwari have been battling with cattle rustlers. The problems are uncountable, beyond lamentation and demand expedited solutions.
The multi-facet problems affecting the northern states are caused by various factors. Until the return to democracy in 1999, Northern Nigeria enjoyed un-interrupted peace and sound economy. Although, there were reported cases of pockets of violence in some states, the crises were minimal and were quickly nipped into the bud courtesy of good leadership. Today, intense struggle for political power by desperate politicians has changed the story.
Secondly, the battle of who controls the resources in the region has increased the tension and fuelled ethno-religious crises. State resources which are supposed to be evenly distributed are cornered by the ruling elites and their cronies. What we graphically see is the picture of grim poverty and unemployment in the region. These twin evils have continued to promote violence.
Northern Nigeria can regain its lost glory and overcome the multiple security challenges if our political leaders close rank and collectively work together. The new crops of our leaders should emulate the leadership style of late Sardauna, Tafawa Balewa and Joeseph Tarka – all of blessed memories. These leaders led by example. Equity and justice were their watch words. They neither promoted ethnic hatred nor corruptly amass wealth.
Northern Nigerian can surmount its security challenges if it addresses the problem of poverty and unemployment. The high rate of poverty and unemployment in the region is very alarming. Unless the 19 northern states wage unrelenting war against these problems, the search for lasting solution will remain elusive.
- Ibrahim Mustapha,
Pambegua, Kaduna State.