MUCH as the Easter Day bombing that killed 36 people in Kaduna raise doubts on the capacity of security authorities to effectively tackle the menace posed by the Boko Haram sect, there are indications to assuage the apprehension of Nigerians. Every now and then, the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the exigency announces the discovery of bomb factories, the arrest, or even killing of suspected members of the sect.Only two days ago, the JTF was said to have killed one such suspect in operation, recovered weapons and explosive devices, and arrested 13 members. Actions such as these will undoubtedly go far in allaying public fear; just as the statement credited to the Attorney General and Justice Minister, Mohammed Bello Adoke to the effect that government was not about to lift the state of emergency imposed on 15 local government areas in the North.It is important for government to put in place and maintain more comprehensive security measures. Similarly, there must be public understanding that the terrorism unleashed by the Boko Haram is completely alien to the country; and has indeed caught Nigerians by surprise. More premiums must be placed on intelligence gathering, given the fact that the attacks have been consistent on days of Christian festivals.Like the previous bomb attacks last Christmas Day, New Year Day and on law enforcement formations, the Easter bombing was dastardly and condemnable. It affected hotels, residences apartments and business premises.Again, it cannot be over-emphasised that the Boko Haram terrorism has the potential to cause disunity among the various groups in the country. Without doubt, the sect that had targeted and killed people across the religious divide, now poses a grave danger to the nation. They do not just attack churches, but also institutions of the state. Similarly, any group or persons perceived to be working against their interests ' whatever these might be ' is a potential target.And that is why the authorities must not relent in unraveling both the remote and immediate causes of the group's alarming activities. The security agencies must not be caught napping again; but this is possible only if their intelligence units are functioning efficiently. Granted that Boko Haram's tactics are largely unorthodox and unpredictable, government and security agencies should encourage people to give relevant information. After all, the sect members behind the bombings live in the country among other Nigerians. There should be extra-ordinary measures to protect sources of information, in view of the proven sensitivity of the sect.There is need also to encourage security personnel, many of who have been killed since the terror insurgence began. This can be by way of improving their welfare, for instance, giving them befitting housing. Police barracks can do with a lot of facelift, to energise the force and boost the morale of policemen.A word of caution is necessary for political leaders, some of whom have made unguarded statements capable of inflaming passion and escalating the crisis. At the same time, government must see the need to address age-old problems and prejudices involving different groups. It is good to set up schools for the street children better known as almajiris to keep them busy, informed and away from mischief, including civil disturbances and terrorism. This measure should be part of a whole and not ad hoc.If dialogue is being embraced as a way to eradicate terrorism, it should be pursued with greater diligence, not just with the Boko Haram but also with notable leaders of thought who can reach out positively to the group. It has been suggested that states and local governments should be involved in the anti-terrorism campaign. This is reasonable, in view of their closeness to the people; although there may be obvious limitations, for instance, arising from infiltration of the sect into governmental machinery.At the state and local levels, governments can be usefully engaged in making budgetary allocations, gathering information, cooperating with security agencies, providing advice, enlightening the public and giving medical services all in respect of terrorism. Even more crucial, they should embark on measures to eradicate poverty, create jobs, promote education and restrict areas of operation of Boko Haram.Again, the government should check the strong suspicion or knowledge of external support to Boko Haram. Bases identified to be used by the sect within, or outside the country must be dismantled. Again this can be achieved by a properly streamlined security structure from the wards to the federal level. At the moment, this structure appears to be underutilised, perhaps due to lack of coordination and harmony.The Federal Government through its various arms should continue to address problems of national cohesion and development, many of which have been outstanding long before the advent of Boko Haram terrorism. These include the national question of evolving true federating units, resource control, devolution of powers from the centre and fostering true national development. The need for a national discourse on this remains imperative.The disparity between the rich and the poor in the country, particularly in the North, is unacceptable. Conscious efforts must be made to bridge the gap, not just by the occasional gesture of the rich feeding the poor; but by concrete and creative means to empower the poor, give them education, jobs and means of livelihood.
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