NO one is in doubt that Thursday's bomb attack on three newspapers, simultaneously in Abuja and Kaduna has introduced a dangerous and sinister dimension to acts of terror being perpetrated by the Boko Haram religious sect. Most Nigerians consider the attack, rightly, as an onslaught or declaration of war on the media of mass communication. But it is more than that: It is an affront to the people of Nigeria, aimed particularly at their constitutional and democratic rights to freely express themselves. Notably, the Boko Haram reportedly confirmed its involvement in the attack and actually took responsibility for them, explaining that one of the newspapers, Thisday, allegedly misrepresented its position and was biased. Clearly, the attack was unfortunate and reprehensible, pointing as it were, to an attempt to muzzle the press. Besides, it is a violent infraction of section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution that stipulates that, 'every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference'. The press is the purveyor of this freedom. Incidentally, the Boko Haram, like other Nigerians, has enjoyed the right to free expression explicit in the provision. But by its attack on the newspapers, it has failed to appreciate the crucial role of the media in giving vent to the freedom, indeed making it practicable.Although the Boko Haram had about two weeks ago warned some newspapers against misrepresenting it, the two incidents on Thursday were the first attacks on the Nigerian media since its insurgence about three years ago. News reports, confirmed by the police, indicate that a suicide bomber came into the Abuja office of Thisday in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) laden with bombs, and which was detonated, killing the suicide bomber and two other persons; and injuring 13 other persons. This happened at about 11:a.m, the approximate time another car, also packed with explosives, was driven into the plaza housing the offices of Thisday, The Sun and The Moment newspapers in Kaduna. Again, the bombs detonated, killing two persons and injuring nine others. One of the assailants, named Umaru Mustapha, was however apprehended.In a statement issued by Thisday, the newspaper confirmed the death of a security man in Abuja, along with three passers-by and the suicide bomber. Eight members of staff who sustained injuries were taken to the National Hospital for treatment. Following the explosion, the roof of the building was blown off, the power generator burnt and the printing plant damaged.Not surprisingly, Nigerians have widely condemned the attack variously as barbaric, deplorable and a blow to the country's democracy. Surely the attack is a direct assault on the fundamental freedom of the organised society, which is spearheaded by the media through their role to inform, educate and to guide. When the media, as the purveyor of information and truth, are muzzled as implicated by the twin bombing, it is a signal of war. When newspapers are treated in a way to make them afraid of reporting the truth or otherwise performing their constitutionally-recognised role, the society suffers. An assault on press freedom is an assault on the entire people of Nigeria. The acts of terror on the newspapers are unpardonable therefore for their destruction of lives and property; and for their aim to undermine the fundamental tenets of freedom and democracy.Also by the bombing, the motive behind the Boko Haram seems to have become complicated; certainly it is beyond religious calculation. The sect reportedly said that the attacks were meant to send a strong message to the media that it had become fed up with alleged misrepresentation of its position by journalists. Does this statement suggest a political motive by the Boko Haram' Isn't it time for the sect to come out clearly with its position' Must it target the press for perceived misconception of its philosophy' Does 'misrepresentation' in this sense not amount to lack of support, for which the newspapers were bombed'It is commendable that two of the newspapers have expressly resolve not to be deterred by the terrorist act, and to continue to perform their professional duty without fear or favour. It will be tragic for the media to become intimidated by acts clearly designed to frighten it into complacence. Such a situation will portray a major setback in the country's developmental efforts. The press and the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) should take consolation that the truth, which they stand for, shall triumph over evil.Beyond the condemnation and expression of condolence, the Federal Government must assure the nation of its capability to protect lives and property ' a foremost duty, even constitutional ' of any government worth its name. The Boko Haram might have presented an unusually criminal phenomenon; but after three years, Nigerians expect a result much better than that so far posted by the security authorities.At the same time, security should not be left entirely to government. It should be everybody's business if terrorism, or indeed crime of any sort, is to be curbed. Nigerians should first stop ascribing religion to the crisis, bearing in mind that Boko Haram had killed both Christians and Muslims; and that top Islamic leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, have decried their methods as purely antithetical of Islam. Everyone must work with the police and other security agencies, especially in giving useful information about the identity and operation of the bombers.To kill innocent citizens, destroy property needlessly and subject Nigerians to fear are crimes against the state, for which culprits, irrespective of their appellation, should be penalised. Government should perform its duty, even while seeking external assistance, or unraveling the root cause of the insurgence. So far, government's strategy has not been too impressive, as it has been unable to dislodge or bring Boko Haram under control.The bomb attack on the press is yet another piece of evidence about the precarious state that Boko Haram has subjected the country into. It is a warning that no Nigerian or group is safe as no one knows who the next target would be. Again, government should exploit all options, including dialogue with the sect and with Nigerians at macro level.Despite all its shortcomings, the Nigerian nation has come a long way. It would be tragic for its journey to statehood to be cut short by Boko Haram; just as it would be tragic to intimidate the press from performing its professional role regarding freedom of expression.
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