Last week, the relative serenity of Borno State was shattered by a devastating attack. Women, concealed under veils, transformed into suicide bombers, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. In this special report, Assistant Editor BOLA OLAJUWON delves into the multifaceted motivations, psychological processes and societal influences that contribute to the emergence of female suicide bombers.
Tragedy struck with devastating force in the relatively tranquil town of Gwoza, Borno State, where celebrations, healing and farewells are integral to daily life. Amid the joyous echoes of weddings, the sanctuary of hospitals and the solemnity of funerals, the relative peace was shattered by ruthless detonations. The attacks left 32 lives lost and countless others wounded, casting a dark shadow over a community already grappling with conflict and loss.
According to Borno State Police Command spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso, three blasts targeted a crowded motor park, a hospital and a funeral. The attackers, women disguised as innocent civilians, used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) hidden beneath their veils. These incidents inflicted not only physical harm but also struck at the heart of the town’s social fabric, undermining its sense of security and resilience.
The international community, including the United Nations and various leaders, condemned the bombings as cowardly and heinous acts. Amid the immediate shock and grief, questions about the perpetrators’ motives and the vulnerabilities exposed by the attacks loom large, demanding urgent answers and collective action to prevent such atrocities in the future.
A psychoanalysis of women suicide bombers
The tragic phenomenon of women becoming suicide bombers is a disturbing and complex issue that has garnered significant attention and concern. Understanding the psychological and sociocultural factors driving these women to commit such acts of violence is crucial for developing effective counter-terrorism strategies and providing appropriate interventions. What are the multifaceted motivations, psychological processes and societal influences that contribute to the emergence of female suicide bombers?
Historically, women have participated in political violence and armed conflicts, but their roles as suicide bombers have become more pronounced in recent decades, particularly within the context of extremist ideologies and insurgent movements. Experts believe that the use of women in such roles is not merely a tactical choice but also a reflection of deeper societal and psychological dynamics. Groups like Boko Haram, ISIS and the Tamil Tigers have strategically employed female suicide bombers, leveraging societal stereotypes that portray women as non-threatening to exploit security vulnerabilities.
The psychological motivations behind women becoming suicide bombers are varied and complex, often involving a combination of personal, social, and ideological factors. Many female suicide bombers have experienced significant personal trauma, such as the loss of family members to conflict or occupation forces. This trauma can create a deep desire for revenge, which extremist groups exploit, offering an avenue for these women to achieve a sense of retribution. Additionally, societal pressures, indoctrination and the promise of posthumous honor and respect can further influence women to undertake these violent acts. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies to address this deeply troubling trend.
According to Oluyinka Ojedokun, a professor of Applied Social and Environmental Psychology, Department of Pure and Applied Psychology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, the psychological factors that motivate an individual to act as a suicide bomber can be understood from the perspective of the psychoanalytical theory, particularly its Freudian approach. In an interview with The Nation, Prof Ojedokun said the theory explores the unconscious motives behind human behaviour. “When applied to the context of suicide bombing, it provides insights into the underlying psychological factors that might drive individuals to commit such acts,” the university don said.
Prof. Ojedokun mentioned the underlying psychological factors as including: “Unresolved trauma and aggression: Freud suggests that individuals do have or may have unresolved trauma or repressed aggression. In the context of suicide bombing in Borno State, the suicide bomber action might be triggered by such feelings that were directed outward in a destructive manner, targeting people that were perceived as symbols of her pain or oppression. The current suicide bombing in Borno State could be seen as an extreme form of acting out these aggressive impulses.
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“According to Freud, two drives motivate human behavior – sex and aggression or Eros (life) and Thanato (death) drives. The aggression or death drive is an unconscious drive towards destruction, death, and a return to an inorganic state. In the case of suicide bombers, this drive might be manifested in the simultaneous desire for self-destruction and the destruction of others.
“Psychoanalysis also looks at how individuals identify with certain groups or ideologies. A strong identification with a radical group or belief system can lead to a sense of purpose and belonging. This identification can be so powerful that it overrides the individual’s instinct for self-preservation. The outcome is to destroy the self along others who are perceived as enemies. Individuals who act as suicide bombers might commit such acts due narcissistic wounds. Narcissistic wound is an emotional state where individuals feel that their sense of self is deeply hurt. Engaging in suicide bombing can be seen as a way to restore a sense of power and significance, especially if they believe they will be honoured and remembered. Enjoying good things in heaven after death is one of the promises or rewards use to brainwash suicide bombers.
“The ego ideal represents an individual’s ideal self-image, shaped by societal and cultural norms. If the ego ideal is influenced by extremist ideologies that glorify martyrdom, the superego (moral conscience) might support such actions as a means of achieving this ideal, despite the destructive consequences. Psychoanalysis also acknowledges existential dimensions. Individuals may experience profound existential despair, feeling that their lives lack meaning or purpose. In such cases, the act of suicide bombing might be perceived as a way to achieve a meaningful existence, albeit in a highly destructive form. As a whole approach, psychoanalysis only provides one lens to understand the motivations behind suicide bombing, it is important to integrate this perspective with insights from other fields for a more comprehensive understanding.”
Psychologists are of the view that the issue of women becoming suicide bombers is deeply troubling and complex, driven by a mix of psychological and sociocultural factors. Extremist ideologies often provide a sense of identity and belonging to individuals who feel marginalised or alienated, they explained. Women, particularly in patriarchal societies, may face significant social and cultural constraints, prompting them to seek empowerment and purpose within extremist groups. The role of a martyr offers a powerful narrative of self-worth and significance.
Extremist groups use sophisticated psychological manipulation and indoctrination techniques. Women are exposed to intense propaganda that glorifies martyrdom and promises spiritual rewards in the afterlife. This indoctrination can create cognitive dissonance, where the act of suicide bombing is perceived not as an end but as a transcendental beginning. Experts note that some women who become suicide bombers may suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, PTSD, or other psychological disorders. These conditions can make them more susceptible to extremist rhetoric, reducing their capacity for critical thinking and resistance to coercion.
Sociocultural factors also play a critical role. In many societies, strict patriarchal norms dictate women’s roles and limit their opportunities. Extremist groups exploit these norms, positioning martyrdom as a means for women to transcend their societal limitations and achieve heroic status. Extremist ideologies often provide religious or ideological justifications for suicide bombings, indoctrinating women to believe their actions are divinely sanctioned and will be rewarded in the afterlife. This belief system is particularly compelling in deeply religious communities.
Social pressure and coercion are significant factors. Some women are forced or blackmailed into becoming suicide bombers, especially when their families are threatened. Social honor and shame dynamics can also play a role, with women seeking to restore family honor through martyrdom. In certain contexts, communities may support and validate martyrdom, celebrating martyrs and elevating their status, creating an environment where women are encouraged to follow suit, believing they are contributing to a noble cause.
Experts agree that several psychological processes underpin the journey of a woman from an ordinary life to becoming a suicide bomber. Radicalization and cognitive transformation involve adopting extreme beliefs and ideologies, facilitated by charismatic leaders and cohesive group dynamics that reinforce extremist narratives. Dehumanisation and moral disengagement are crucial mechanisms, enabling individuals to commit acts of violence without guilt or remorse. Women are taught to view their targets as subhuman or as obstacles to a greater cause, rationalising their actions.
Emotional desensitisation, achieved through repeated exposure to violent propaganda, reduces emotional responsiveness to violence and suffering, making women more willing to carry out suicide bombings. For many women, becoming a suicide bomber provides a profound sense of purpose and transcendence, offering an escape from mundane existence and a path to achieve something greater than themselves. This sense of purpose can be a powerful motivator, especially in contexts of extreme poverty and social marginalisation.
Solutions
The Public Relations Officer of Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria, Mrs. Bunmi Elabor, in an interview with The Nation, said: “As a professional counselor, I see renewed cases of women suicide bombers as one of the vices in recent times in the history of Nigeria. The government has to put the followings into consideration, if we are to have a great society:
“Liberate all the out-of-school children by giving them adequate facilities in educational development. It must encourage girl-child education, especially in the northern part of Nigeria. Parents should monitor the behaviour of the girl-child, especially when they isolate from other members of the family.
