BOKO HARAM: WHAT IF YOU TAKE MY ADVICE?

-          “No matter how dark this insurgency may appear, there is a way out”

                                  

The Congregation of the People of Tradition for Proselytism and Jihad, aka Boko Haram was founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2002. It aims to establish a ‘pure’ Islamic State ruled by Sharia Law and thus stamp out alleged ‘westernization’. They operate mostly in Northern Nigeria, Northern Cameroon, Southern Niger and Chad. Their modus operandi includes but not limited to rape, murder, abduction, and wanton destruction of property; Christians and government institutions are prime targets, but member s of the Islamic establishment have not been spared.

Even in the 60s, the concept of Book Haram had existed in the northern part of Nigeria; but not in the form that it metamorphosed into under Mohammed Yusuf’s impetus. Since then a lot of theories and speculations have been going round as to their real intension and mission. While some believe their resurgence is to discredit the current government, one can safely assume that the influence of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, following the Arab Spring and fall of Ghadafi, has further radicalized them with sophisticated training and funding. If hopefully, they are not an agenda to make Nigeria ungovernable gone awry; if indeed they are for the eradication of western education and all it stands for, then they may well consider the following pieces of advice to realize their objectives.

Since slavery was eventually abolished in America (coupled with the success of the civil rights movement), and apartheid in South Africa, perhaps they should go about their objectives in a more productive way. The sect should lay down their arms and stop wanton destruction of lives and property. They should, on the other hand, build their own idyllic schools, establish their preferred curricula, and staff with their own trained teachers, lecturers and professors (of course appropriately named in their own language!)

Once the schools have been established, Boko Haram should, in the true meaning of proselytization, go on an enlightenment, and evangelical campaign to convince parents to enroll their children in these schools. They should send their apostles (not killers) to hold public lectures, print tracks, and entice their target audience in the open. This is the more reason they should stop killing innocent school children. One wonders who they would get to enroll in their school if they annihilate the school age population.

However, if Boko Haram does not fancy this alternative, though productive means of achieving their goal, and are still bent on the use of guns and weapons of mass destruction; then I will advise them accordingly.

They should stop fighting a guerilla war fare and using human shields. Let them engage the federal military forces in direct gun battle, since they consider force as the only means of achieving their goal (apparently, in the light of recent attack at the military garrison in Maiduguri, they are already considering this option).

In the direct confrontation with the military, they should not fight with western conceived and made AK 47 rifles, rocket propelled launches, Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs. They should prohibit the use of mobile phones and invent their own form of instruments of war fare; posting propaganda on U-Tube is a no go area, so also wearing western military fatigue in disguise. I urge them to quickly discard the Toyota Hilux vans and motorcycles and relying on their time tested ideology, create their own means of transportation. And if the victor determines the terms of settlement in any war, they should be prepared to accept not only a possible defeat in an open combat, but also note that it will mark an end to the agitation for their own brand of education.

While we wait for Boko Haram to consider these counsels regarding their quest, it would be equally necessary to say a few words to the federal government. Declaring a state of emergency in the affected states is one thing, but they need to go a step further to ensure effective policing. The best form of defense is attack; and so the Special Forces should hound them from the forests where they melt into after every attack. All modern gadgets for tracking should be deployed to locate them; and if required foreign expertise can be brought in. Needless to say, if there are enemies within the government side, a surgical operation must be done urgently to cut off the canker!

To the parties and individuals gloating over the government’s perceived failure so far, in stemming the insurgency; one can only encourage them to offer their know-how and constructive ideas to the government. After all, the people that have been killed on both sides, in the course of this needless campaign, are fellow Nigerians; and nothing should be spared to arrest the trend. You may want to consider what you would do, if you reside in the affected areas.

And if perhaps, the current Boko Haram insurgency was initially planned as a ruse to make Nigeria ungovernable for veiled political gains, then one can say, pitiably, that those that have sewn the wind are indeed reaping the whirlwind. The monster that they have created and nurtured has transformed into a Frankenstein. 

All said, there is hope that at the end of the dark tunnel, a light shines. If slavery and apartheid fell flat on the altar of reason, Boko Haram will have to re-examine their posturing, possibly take the route of dialogue offered by government and Nigeria will come out of this experience better. We all must work together to ensure it comes to pass.

Last Line: Proverbs 4:18-19 NIV “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble”.  John 1:5 NIV “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it”. 

  

We have the capacity to overcome challenges through the love and knowledge (light) of God. To find out more about God and how you can have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, visit any Bible believing church near you, or: CHAPEL OF DESTINY RESTORATION CHURCH, 2 Akinlabi Lane, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by Round About Bus Stop, Ikeja. Lagos.