Thursday, 04 July 2024 04:48

Editorial: The devastating cost of desperation: Nigeria's N20 suicide bombers

Rate this item
(0 votes)

In a country where the average citizen struggles to afford basic necessities, the revelation that suicide bombers in Nigeria's Northeast were paid as little as N20 ($0.013) for their deadly missions is a stark reminder of the depths of poverty and desperation plaguing our nation. This shocking disclosure not only underscores the vulnerability of our most impoverished citizens but also highlights the complex web of social, economic, and security challenges facing Nigeria today.

The fact that human life can be valued at such an insignificant sum – both for the bomber and their victims – is a damning indictment of Nigerian society's failure to protect and provide for its most vulnerable members. It raises troubling questions about the extreme poverty that would drive individuals to accept such a paltry sum for an act that will inevitably end their own lives and potentially those of countless innocent citizens.

Moreover, this situation exposes the potent and dangerous nature of the indoctrination employed by terrorist groups like Boko Haram. To convince someone that their life is worth no more than N20, and that sacrificing it in such a violent manner is somehow justified, requires a level of psychological manipulation that is both horrifying and deeply concerning.

The recent attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, which claimed approximately 30 lives, demonstrate the ongoing threat posed by these tactics. As noted by security expert Sadiq Shehu, suicide bombings offer numerous advantages to terrorist groups – they are low-cost, difficult to detect, and exploit cultural sensitivities that may hinder thorough security checks.

To address this complex and multifaceted issue, a comprehensive approach involving both the Nigerian state and society is necessary:

1. Poverty Alleviation: The government must intensify efforts to reduce extreme poverty through targeted economic programmes, job creation initiatives, and improved access to education and healthcare.

2. Enhanced Security Measures: Security forces should implement more rigorous and culturally sensitive screening procedures, including the deployment of female personnel to conduct thorough checks on women without violating cultural norms.

3. Community Engagement: Foster stronger relationships between security forces and local communities to improve intelligence gathering and early warning systems.

4. Deradicalization Programmes: Invest in comprehensive deradicalization and rehabilitation programmes for former extremists, focusing on education, psychological support, and economic reintegration.

5. Counter-Narrative Campaigns: Develop and disseminate effective counter-narratives to combat extremist ideologies, particularly targeting vulnerable youth populations.

6. Regional Cooperation: Strengthen collaboration with neighboring countries to address cross-border security challenges and share intelligence.

7. Improved Governance: Address issues of corruption, inequality, and lack of basic services that contribute to the sense of marginalization and vulnerability exploited by extremist groups.

8. Mental Health Support: Establish accessible mental health services to address trauma and psychological vulnerabilities that may make individuals susceptible to radicalization.

The N20 suicide bomber is a tragic symbol of Nigeria's complex challenges. It is a call to action for our government, security forces, and society as a whole. We must work together to create a future where no Nigerian feels so desperate and devalued that they would sacrifice their life for such a meager sum. Only through a united and multifaceted approach can we hope to overcome this crisis and build a safer, more prosperous Nigeria for all.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

May 30, 2025

Nigeria's $3bn fashion drain: How import dependence undermines local textile industry

Nigeria's fashion sector is hemorrhaging billions of dollars annually due to overwhelming reliance on imported…
May 28, 2025

PDP govs facing intimidation from Tinubu administration, says Bala Mohammed

Bauchi State Governor and chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed,…
May 30, 2025

Money can buy you happiness. Here’s how

There’s not a single problem in my life that couldn’t be solved or at least…
May 31, 2025

Tools made of whale bones reveal inventiveness of prehistoric people

Artifacts found at archeological sites in France and Spain along the Bay of Biscay shoreline…
May 31, 2025

Troops kill 60 terrorists and top ISWAP commander in Borno, as FCT mourns 11 killed…

Nigerian troops have killed over 60 terrorists in Borno State during a series of operations,…
May 31, 2025

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 603

Deadly break-in at UN warehouse as aid trickles into Gaza A United Nations warehouse in…
May 29, 2025

AI system resorts to blackmail when its developers try to replace it

An artificial intelligence model has the ability to blackmail developers — and isn’t afraid to…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.