The term Boko Haram comes from the Hausa word, “Boko”, meaning Western education, while the Arabic word “Haram” figuratively means sin or forbidden. Loosely translated from Hausa language, Boko Haram means Western education is forbidden. The group earned this name due to its strong opposition to anything Western, which it sees as corruption.
Its stated goal is to wipe out any Western influence in northern Nigeria and to create an Islamic state there. Though their attacks involve bombings, the group’s trademark has been to use gunmen on motorcycles, to kill police, politicians and critics.
From the very moment man settled in groups, he developed a competitive spirit which later brought him into conflict with other groups in his bid for control of resources for survival.
Boko Haram is one of such efforts, not just to control resources, but also to control people, government and law. Its recent insurgence against the Nigerian state which comes in the form of killing, and disruption of peace and order has further portrayed its negativity in extreme perspective.
The group spreads its teachings and recruits followers. Its teachings are focused on the sins allegedly perpetuated by Westernization. For instance, they see women as being too loose due to Westernization.
The sect’s aim is to prevent the practice of Christianity in the north or forcibly cause a relocation of Christians of southern origin from the north, just to spark off sectarian violence nationwide.
Religious conflict, as one of the endemic problems in Nigeria that has led to the death of many in the country, is not new to Nigerians. What is worrisome to many in the case of Boko Haram insurgency is its targeting and abuse of women and girls which is a violation of human rights.
The sect has, indeed, gained national and international attention, and has come to represent the very essence of terror in Nigeria. It has reduced patronage of secular schools and has engendered loss of trust in the ability of the government to lead the country.
The media, being the watchdog of the society, has a vital role to play in the resolution of this Boko Haram menace. The media can make great impact with its contact with the people and can change the mentality and perception of members of this criminal group. The media, through advocacy, can proffer solution to this menace by embarking on enlightenment campaigns and seminars, on the reasons why the Boko Haram sect should sheath its sword.
Also, the media have to brace up to the task of uncovering cases of Boko Haram sect and following them up in the law court, regularly reporting and giving prominence to the reportage of their cases, organizing debates on issues by way of agenda setting and carrying out in-depth analyses of issues concerning their activities in fuller appreciation of their watchdog role.
Meanwhile, government should know that the country’s security needs to be repositioned. Our security personnel need to be well trained, especially on how to combat the new security challenges posed by terrorists all over the world.
Dialogue is also important. Through the use of dialogue, mutual agreement is reached and solutions proffered. The creation of rational discourse through interactive forum using the media as channel is a sine qua non to the resolution of the crisis in the country. This will create an avenue for issues and grievances to be openly dissected and the solution proffered.
The media should also collaborate with the security agents to unravel the masterminds behind the Boko Haram insurgency and what their motives are. This will enable the government know how to tackle these terrorists.
In the same vein, there is the need for the media to sensitise northern governors and leaders on the necessity for engaging Boko Haram members in discussion, using local media and local language.
I agree with the view of a communication expert, Andrew Stroehein, that effective tackling of Boko Haram requires a strategic, concerted and collective handling as well as coordinated action of all and sundry; not just the government and security agencies alone. In that case, the cooperation of traditional and religious leaders, members of the public and, most importantly, the media is necessary.
Chukwu wrote from Port Harcourt.