This Is War!

Leadership

4 September 2011

This Is War!

editorial

Terrorists have declared war on Nigeria. And this is official. On August 26, they bombed the United Nations building in the nation's capital city, killing 23 people and wounding more than 80 others who are now receiving treatment in hospitals at home and abroad. On June 16, they had carried the war to the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, also in Abuja, killing and maiming scores of people. On October 1, last year, they were not taken seriously when they released bombs near the venue of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Nigeria's independence, even though more than a dozen innocent Nigerians were killed.

The latest attack on the UN building is enough sign that nowhere in Nigeria is safe from terrorists' attack. All evidence points to the fact that a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into the UN building. Another suicide bomber is believed to have attacked the police headquarters. In both cases, Boko Haram claimed responsibility and even gave the names of the suicide bombers. In a statement after the June 16 attack, the group said that hundreds of such volunteers were waiting in its den.

So far, the Nigerian security agencies appear helpless. Nobody believes the State Security Service or the government it represents when it states that it knows the terrorists or those behind them. How many more lives will be wasted before government performs its primary responsibility of protecting life and property? What is clear is that nobody is safe and nowhere is secure. Yet, security takes the largest chunk of Nigeria's revenue.