Expose every agent of terrorism regardless of their race-Adewumi Oni

Say ‘No’ to Terrorism
“Within a single year the world has experienced a 61% increase in terrorist attacks, according to the 2014 edition of The Global Terrorism Index from the Institute for Economics &Peace.” (Business Insider, November 2014). At no time has our world been under threat of terrorism like we are witnessing now.

We are daily awash with both domestic and international news of acts of terrorism. We now live in fear of unexpected attack from both known and unknown forces. Since the 9/11 attack of 2001, our world has never remained the same. We have since, seen unprecedented level of human cruelty against its kind. It appears terrorism has come to be part of us.
What is Terrorism? The IEP defines terrorism as “the threatened or actual use of illegal force and violence by a non-state actor to attain a political, economic, religious or social goal through fear, coercion, or intimidation.” The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives” (28 C.F.R). Terrorism is “the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal” (Merriam Webster Dictionary). All of these definitions point to the use of violence against persons or property, which brings me to the thrust of this write-up.
In the past few months, we have been having cases of Fulani herdsmen going on rampage against host communities, destroying lives and properties. It started long ago in the middle belt, but has escalated and spread to the South East with the recent attack on the citizens of Uzo-Uwani, Enugu State. There have been hues and cries over these recent act of terrorism in Enugu State. Though there have been accusations and counter accusations on who is responsible. Some claim that the terrorists are foreigners while some insists they are Fulani herdsmen. Whichever, we have witnessed another act of terror. Just two days ago, there was similar attack in Nasarawa State, this time around, it was an attack against the Fulani Herdsmen.
Despite early warning of the impending attack given to the State Security Agents, by the Governor of Enugu State, the security agents failed to provide the needed cover for the poor and innocent victims of the attack. Until, the present administration put up spirited effort to ending the Boko Haram menace in the North Eastern part of the country, Nigerians live in fear and trepidation of Boko Haram terrorism. It is however bothersome that the same spirit with which the current administration dealt with the Boko Haram menace is not being put to work here. It took the Presidency two days to react to the news of the attack in Enugu, and the first mention of it was at a book launch by Minister of Information & Culture, Hon. Lai Mohammed. A lot of speculations are in the air that this delay is because President Buhari is also a Fulani. But if his claim of nationalism above ethnicism (I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody) is anything to go about, this should not be the case.
Whichever way, this uncomfortable silence and slow response from the part of the Presidency led to various agitations and protests against terrorism by Fulani herdsmen across the nation. One of such is Angela Uyi’s campaign against Fulani herdsmen terrorism on Facebook. Starting with a few supporters, the number of supporters has grown to over 200 and still growing. Like Angela, we all need to cry out against all forms of terrorism. We need to begin to push our government to be proactive and to provide the needed security. Dr Ezekwesili in her paper at the recent national discourse at The Platform said “the primary duty of the government is to provide Security, welfare for the people…”. Our roles as the governed include ensuring the government performs her duty by goading her by every legal means.
Let us expose every agent of terrorism regardless of their race, color or tribe. And when I mean terrorism, it is not limited to Boko Haram, or Fulani herdsmen, people who partake in jungle justice are terrorists. If you are a woman beater, you are a terrorist. A child abuser is a terrorist. An armed robber is a terrorist. Let us say ‘NO” to terrorism in all its forms and shades.
God bless us all.
Good morning Africa!
Good morning Nigeria!

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About King Angela Uyi

I am Angela Uyi aka Mama Naija|Two time Social Media Personality Winner| A smooth talker| Humanitaria| Ghost Writer| CopyWriter |Twitter:@Angelauyi |