The north need to face the reality

The north need to face the reality

By Adamu Saleh

On a daily basis, innocent lives are being lost to the activities of Boko Haram, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across Northern Nigeria. Yet, our leaders—and even some members of the public—appear more preoccupied with political celebrations, singing and dancing in the streets as though all is well in the region and the country at large.

Meanwhile, our fellow citizens in the southern part of the country are increasingly vocal in expressing their frustration over the government’s inadequate response to insecurity. They seize every available platform to protest and demand accountability. Recently, students were kidnapped in Oyo State, prompting widespread outrage. Notably, popular artist Davido was seen wearing a jacket bearing the names of the abducted schoolboys, while social media activist VeryDarkMan was captured in a viral video at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, calling for the immediate rescue of the victims.

The Northern region has arguably suffered the most from terrorism and banditry for nearly two decades. However, a sense of resignation and fatalism appears to have taken root among many of us, dulling the urgency to confront these challenges and safeguard the future of coming generations.

This situation is deeply troubling. It is time for us to rise, take responsibility, and collectively redefine our path as a people within this country.

Saleh can be reached through bappandada1@gmail.com