The latest attacks carried out by Nigerian Islamists – Boko Haram was a horrifying illustration of what happens when renegades demand global attention.
#BringBackOurGirls may have been a worthy endeavor, because of the fact that it finally exposed the horrors of a violent cell hell hell bent on undiluted destruction. But its genesis only gave the enemy enough self-confidence and validation to continue the mission.
There is power that stems from worldwide recognition and the leader of the pack – Abubakar Shekau has been enjoying his time in the spotlight, while taking advantage of Nigeria’s longstanding cavalier attitude when it comes to the welfare of citizens. This is a leader who thrives off of being able to decide who lives and who perishes and the best part is that he doesn’t have the threat of intervention.
Nigerians have adjusted and accepted the inevitable. This is a new phase and no leader – past or present will be able to refute the evidence that is currently stacking up. A masochistic society that pledges to abide by no rules and allows the unfathomable to rule supreme – it is hard to internalize the shock value of those who are not privy to the playbook that has situated Nigeria for all of it’s existence.
The embattled nation doesn’t need to be fawned over or treated like a kettle that is boiling without supervision. The contents will spill over as always and those who get burned will be evacuated dishonorably and those who escaped unscathed will most likely suffer the same fate.
Media attention and literary fodder unfolded to analyze the case will only heighten the appeal for militants who have already garnered enough attention to last a lifetime. The donors who have given Boko Haram the license to vengefully eradicate the helpless masses are motivated by the idea of being associated with a group that has the potential to command the facets that dictate the blueprint of our existence.
Those who lament the lack of coverage of the Baga attacks are still clinging to the ideal that shining the spotlight will bring forth a shift in behavior.
In this instance – giving boys who indulge in the pride that comes with vanquishing a whole population only enhances their credibility by dictating future conquests.
The less attention is levied on these ceaseless militants – the better, as the consequential relapse will be a challenge to estimate.
The outrage that stems from a lack of recognition is the antidote needed to counteract the effects of mayhem at the hands of armed bullies who have already littered the map with their documented exploits.
This is Nigeria’s problem and needs to remain that way – even if those in power cower in defeat. It is the only option and even though it is costing lives – so many more are in queue but the reality of a nationwide catastrophe will be minimized with limited coverage.