NIGER’S NEST OF NIGGLES

As insecurity continues to gain grounds in Nigeria, the proximity of Niger State and the criminals which have set up shop there, to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, remains a source of grave concern.

Since over a hundred kids were picked RII IURP 7HJLQD DQG KHOG IRU GD\V ODVW year, and villagers in Zagzaga advised to sell off their farm produce to raise ransom to free their abducted loved ones, the State has gained some notoriety for being one of Nigeria`s most insecure states.

It is no longer in doubt that life has become cheap in Nigeria. What remains in only little doubt is to what extent. Even the most cursory of examinations would betray the fact that it is to a large extent. Niger State in Nigeria is one of such states where life in Nigeria is as cheap as commodities in a market of chips.

2Q :HGQHVGD\ -XQH DUPHG bandits fell upon Maguzawa Community LQ 5DÀ /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW DUHD RI WKH VWDWH While they slaughtered three people, DQ XQVSHFLÀHG QXPEHU RI SHRSOH ZHUH abducted. The attacks on Maguzawa came less than 48 hours after bandits raided *LGLJRUH FRPPXQLW\ DOVR LQ 5DÀ /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW ZKHUH DW OHDVW ÀYH OLYHV ZHUH lost and dozens abducted.

The attacks on Maguzawa were not isolated. According to reports, residents FRQÀUPHG WKDW LQ OHVV WKDQ WKUHH ZHHNV DERXW GLIIHUHQW DWWDFNV KDG EHHQ YLVLWHG RQ YDULRXV FRPPXQLWLHV LQ 5DÀ /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW DUHD

2Q 6XQGD\ -XQH ZKHQ D EXV UDQ LQWR D W\UH WUXFN SDUNHG RQ WKH URDG LQ *LGDQ .ZDQR DORQJ 0LQQD %LGD LQ %RVVR ORFDO JRYHUQPHQW DUHD RI 1LJHU 6WDWH passengers were burnt beyond recognition.

2Q 0RQGD\ -XQH

In every country that is serious about the development of its citizens which necessarily factors the quality of life as well as life expectancy into the development equation, the life of every citizen is of supreme importance. In fact, Nigeria remains one of countries where the increasingly unfashionable death penalty remains a feature of the law. Yet, death continues to stalk Nigeria.

Every day, all over the country, Nigerians continue to fall victim to mindless and senseless attacks on their lives and properties by criminals who should be cooling their heels in jail was Nigeria a saner country.

Instead, the experience of even Nigerian children, is of a country where families have to put up with constant threats of terrorist attacks in addition to the poverty that is a constant companion these days.

While Nigerian lives continue to lose their worth with each passing day, governments at different levels are always beside themselves to reiterate that they are doing their best.

It remains to be seen however that this ‘best’ is enough for the men, women and children whose lives continue to be disrupted every day by these violent attacks, and whether this `best’ will remain enough for the criminals who seem hellbent on claiming Nigerians communities for themselves.

Kene Obiezum, keneobiezu@gmail.com