The strength of Yoruba Muslim-Christian relations was put to the test with threats of incursion of bandits from Northern Nigeria into the forests of the West.

A notable Imam in Alimosho, Lagos forcefully declared that Christianity and Islam exist side by side in his area, one supporting the other. He argued that Muslims killing Christians will not happen in Western Nigeria.

Not to be caught sitting on the fence, Muslim Netizens flooded the internet with a barrage of video clips denouncing those who wish to facilitate the incursion of bandits into Yorubaland. No longer the argument that Muslims too are being killed. Saving the homeland from banditry readily became ‘the task that must be done’.

Sheik Abubakar Gumi, and those who invited him to an Islamic conference in Ibadan found themselves at the receiving end of ferocious verbal attacks and not very subtle threats. Gumi’s attendance at the conference was labeled a reconnaissance mission prior to an impending full-fledged incursion of bandits into Yorubaland. Gumi is a well-known bandit sympathizer who often speaks for them or on their behalf.

Southwestern Governors also swung into action as soon as necessary. They converged in Ibadan for an emergency meeting. They did not meet to play politics. Four APC Governors travelled to the seat of a PDP government to address a matter that concerns them all. Four APC Governors met with two PDP governors. The result was immediate plan of action. Not promises, not excuses, not propaganda.

No political party, nor religious affiliation; no royal supremacy rivalry, nor age old community enmity, stood between the people and their security. Those who say the Yoruba know their interest and will fight for it when occasions demand, speak well.

Meanwhile the Federal Government continued to play the ostrich. Celebrating the release of  twenty-four students kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS)l, Maga, Kebbi State with little modesty.  Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Mattawale, claimed that “Our tactical team has successfully rescued the abducted students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State.”

Yet, a release from a Presidential spokesperson boasted; “After the incident, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue effort. They got in contact with the bandits to release the captives unharmed. On Sunday, they were able to get them out unharmed. They do have a way of tracking these people.”

“The security agencies have a way of contacting these people. They (bandits) know the consequences of not acquiescing to government demands. They know they could be pummeled.”

Going by the spokesperson’s assertions, security agencies know and do contact the bandits. Bandits are also aware of the consequences of refusing government requests. It can then be concluded that the reasons for continued retention of hostages are failure to contact the bandits, or failure to demand the release of hostages.

Who do we believe? The minister, or the president speaking through his spokesperson. It should not have to come to that. The release of the students was achieved, a favourable outcome by any measure. One that brought relief to everyone’s heart. It was needless trying to massage egos and at the end of the day sowed the seed of doubt in the mind of the populace. It opened the door to the bandits’ control of the narrative.

Bandits weighed in to clarify the mode of release. “They were not rescued but released after negotiation.” What followed were questions such as “What are the terms of negotiations? How much money changed hands to seal the negotiation? How come hostages were released but no arrests were made?”

Comparable questions followed the reported release of twenty-three worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State. Government needs not be spending time and energy on explanations. Information made available to the citizenry does not need to make anyone look good or bad. Tell people the truth.

Banditry poses an existential challenge to all Nigerians without exception. It is a challenge to be taken up by all; governments at all levels, military and law enforcement agencies, religious leaders and faith groups, community leaders, and youths. All of us, and all of us.

Our job is not done until every part of the country is rid of the menace of banditry.

 

Ayo Fasoro

Non Sum Dignus