News outlets, in recent times, have been inundated with reports of brutal attacks perpetrated by those who do not have respect for human lives.
A militant group that readily comes to mind is Boko haram- whose members use Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and suicide bombers to terrorize innocent lives leading to devastating losses [of lives and properties]; the Fulani herdsmen have also been a menace to the security of safe-dwelling citizens in different parts of the nation. However, more pathetic is the fact that some massacres have been instigated by those who ought to protect citizens from these militants: an instance is the shelling of the camp of the internally displaced persons- this led to the loss of hundreds of lives- at Borno state- albeit it has since been adjudged to be an accidental discharge with the Nigerian Air Force tendering its apology.
The motives behind these attacks have varied from communal/ethic disparities, 'human error/incompetence', political agitations and religious intolerance; the latter being the most prominent reason and areas [especially remote villages] around the northern parts are often the most hardly hit. Most of the times, some of the attacks resulting in varying degrees of carnage have been targeted at crowded places like bus parks, churches, markets, mosques and so on.
Brief History of Massacres
A glance at the record of these heinous acts, reminds one of the alarming and quite worrisome rate at which these attacks continue to rise with the 'evil men' devising new methods in dealing deadly blows on their victims. Let us now have a recap of some of the massacres that have brought about great disturbances to the peace of this nation:
The Bloodbath in Baga: Baga, a remote riverine community in Borno, has been brought to the consciousness of the world due to the invidious experience that had been visited upon it by the militants. The area has been under massive attacks on two separate occasions: the first was April, 2013 and January, 2015. The armed forces was also indicted in killings of April, 2013 as they alleged that the locals were acted to shield members of Boko haram. Notwithstanding, the militant group has a strong desire to cease control of this locality and their villainous return [to this area] in 2015 showed their intent as they set properties and even human beings ablaze and casualty level raking up into thousands.
Recurring carnage in Jos and Kaduna: Jos and Kaduna are two states that have constantly been subjected to violence that lead to huge number of losses. The mixed population of Muslims and Christians seem to leave these states poised for violence as the motives behind attacks often borders on religious differences- whereas political disagreements have been pinpointed to have catalyzed the violence in Jos on certain occasions. The latest of the massacres, which left many fatalities and losses in Kaduna [and the nation] took place at Kaninkon in southern Kaduna on the eve of Christmas in 2016. It is worth noting that southern Kaduna is predominantly a Christian community and it has constantly been clobbered by viciousness from both the Fulani herdsmen and Boko haram.
Incessant gunning down of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra: The call for secession might not go down well with the present day administration but it is equally wrong [under this 'democratic' setting] to have ordered that live ammunition be used against those agitating for this cause. It is quite unfortunate that the military is also involved in contributing to the long list of massacres in this nation...it is not a wise choice to go at unarmed agitators with full throttle; we can take a cue from Spain in the way it has dealt with the quest for secession from Catalonia. No matter what view one might hold; two wrongs will never make a right.
The list is definitely endless- how can one forget the sad events at Odi; the various massacres inflicted upon the residents of Kano and Abuja...the land is soak with the blood of the innocent; children are taken in their prime; individuals are deprived of the companionship of the loved ones just because some groups of persons value their own interests beyond human lives. One can only hope that a lasting solution towards peaceful co-existence is reached by God's enabling grace.