THE rains came in what seemed like never-ending torrents, roads and houses were submerged in a way that gave one an idea of Noah's deluge, vehicles could be seen floating in some parts of the road, and all men sought for shelter where ever they could find one.The day was Sunday, July 10 2011, a day most Lagosians will remember for a long time to come. Andrew was heading back from church when it all started. Getting to Abule egba, the floods made it impossible for any vehicle heading towards Iyana-Ipaja to go further.Vehicles were compelled to go through Oko-oba road that was only slightly better. He got home with his family about quarter to 12 only to find his neighbour Abdu Salam with his wife, Aisha, standing at the gate. The floods had taken over their flat.Andrew expressed his sympathy and invited them over to his flat for the night, as they had nowhere to sleep. Andrew occupies a flat on the first floor that was beyond the reach of the flood. Both families had to wade through the water in their premises that was up to waist level before they could reach the stairs.As Aisha settled down into the guest room, Abdu Salam requested the assistance of Andrew to salvage some of his belongings. This they embarked upon almost immediately. All that were perishable and could not be left overnight in the water such as vital documents and electronics were taken to Andrew's flat; they were all laid out in the lounge to dry.Included in the salvaged items was Abdu Salam's Quran. Andrew took this and spread out under a fan to dry faster. 'I guess you'll want to read that tonight more than ever' both families laughed and bid each other good night after cups of hot beverage.Andrew woke up early the following morning to prepare for work, the day being Monday. As he checked on Abdu Salam to say good morning, he saw him on his prayer mat saying his morning prayers and in his hands was his Quran, dry! A warm feeling of satisfaction swept through his heart. The whole episode made him feel highly pleased with himself. 'At least, I have not read the story of 'the good Samaritan' in the Bible for nothing!' he told himself.This was a true story narrated to me by a friend. I asked him how he found it so easy to host a Muslim for the night without hesitation or a second thought. His response was, 'I didn't see a Muslim standing at the gate with his wife drenched in the rain, all I saw was a neighbour, a fellow human being in a pitiable situation and in dire need of a place to sleep for the night!'Ever since that day, this statement has been so entrenched in my sub-consciousness that whenever I see the charred bodies of victims after a bomb explosion ignited by Boko Haram, I suddenly ceased to see Christians being killed by Muslims, all I see are human beings, helpless human beings killed by fellow human beings! And I can't seem to place that on any rule of logic.When I flip through the pages of newspapers or watch the television and see the tear-filled agonies of bereaved families, I sometimes try to imagine what will happen to the families of the Boko Haram group if the tables were turned around and someone decides to kill them or even blow them to bits; will their mothers, wives and children be smiling, clapping their hands and grateful to God that someone has killed their loved one' I definitely don't think so! It will be same tears and sorrow on their side.The apparent logic that lies in this therefore is that, regardless of race, religion or reason, no one likes to lose a loved one, not even a suicide bomber or his families!Secondly, the fundamental humanity we share by which the pain of death of a loved one is universal to all human beings ought to be reason enough to value the life of a fellow human being. Especially when we realize that death cannot be reversed, whether accidental or deliberate.It is on this premise that I have asked myself over and over: 'Lanre, if you catch a Boko Haram guy will you kill him'' after deep reflection and much contemplation, I have been able to convince myself that the answer is 'NO!' Reasons are this;If I kill him, and I later regret doing so, can I resurrect him and right the wrong' The answer is no!Secondly, if I kill him, and on the news, his wife and children are shown crying and grieving for the death of their bread-winner, will it give me satisfaction and joy' Will I be able to live with myself after that and be able to pray to God for long life to enjoy the company of my own children' The answer still remains no! If I kill him and am caught by the police, does the fact that he is a Boko Haram, with proven evidence of killings, make me innocent of murder before the law and God' The answer for me, still remains no!The bottom line therefore is this: no life is less valuable than the other, not even that of a Boko Haram! Here lies the fundamental denominator of our humanity, the real commonwealth that binds us all, one which transcends culture, class, race and religion: the sanctity of human life!No human life is worth the waste, not even for vengeance or any other reason for that matter. As such, before we load our guns with prejudice, aim with cowardice at another man and shoot with violence, let us ask ourselves: 'Will I appreciate it if I or my loved one was paid back in the same coin'' Let us seek humane approaches to resolving our differences no matter how strong they may seem to be.One may begin to wonder, is this article, an open letter to Boko Haram or just another write up. Whatever be the view of a reader I will surely respect, but this to me, is just the outpouring of the opinion of a human being to other human beings; to Boko Haram, to Christians, Muslims, atheists and all living souls walking under the Nigerian sun, that we all may for once, review our actions and reactions, look at the next man, woman or child beside us, and refuse to see a Moslem, a Christian or even a Boko Haram, but an irreplaceable HUMAN BEING.With warm regards and lots of love, To Boko Haram.Lanre Awofeso is an associate member of ICAN- ACA and resides in Lagos, Nigeria.
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