Rescuing the Chibok girls

Beyond the countless condemnations, criticisms and errors of inaction and incompetence that have trailed the kidnap of over 180 girl students of Chibok one thing is paramount in the minds of the parents of the still missing girls, well meaning Nigerians and citizens of the world: how to rescue these hapless girls from their predators. This is more pressing now as it is believed that the kidnappers are considering selling their victims off into slavery, which will make them scatter and even more difficult to get them again together.

While the security agencies in the country are busy scouring the territories of the region from which these girls were kidnapped it is important and strategic that they partner effectively with the security agencies in border states like Chad and Niger especially with a view to mounting a search in these countries in the event of likely infiltration or possible bulk sale across the borders.We believe that the Nigerian federal government should without shame own up to their singular inability to go about this rescue alone and seek proper assistance from countries experienced in similar rescue operations using relevant satellite and reconnaissance technology.

These insurgents or terrorists do not live in the moon. It is most likely that there are Nigerians who have information on them either through direct interaction or proxy. The security agencies should find a way to elicit information from people and effectively track the terrorists itinerary.

It is disturbing that our security agents allowed this Book Haram insurgents to operate and strike each time like extraterrestrial beings, even when reports reveal that they on some occasions moved in a convoy of vehicles. The way and manner these terrorists operate and dissapear brings up the issue of surveillance in a 21 st century society without necessary technology: no surveillance cameras or others tracking and monitoring technology.

Are we sufficiently ready and capable to forestall another Chibok like attack? If another happens just as the Nyanya repeat bomb attack what will we do? Societies are not efficiently run on a reactionary basis. There are speculations that the surveillance cameras installed in some cities are not working. How can attacks be forestalled without foreknowledge through detection technology?

The current security challenge facing Nigeria is a bitter reminder that our leadership has long been on a jamboree neglecting the substance and pursuing shadow. The primary and primordial function of government in human society is the protection of lives and property. Nigeria in spite of its huge petro-dollars revenues in decades has failed woefully on this.It has taken a Book Haram insurgency to prove how poorly protected Nigerians are and how insensitive our governments have been to security issues.

But even as we confront these harrowing incidents of insecurity and fear, our leaders should learn how to engage Nigerians properly by shaping their words and conduct in ways that exude confidence, trust and empathy. They should not comport themselves in a manner that crudely confirms Shakespeare’s aphorism that ‘ when beggars die, there are no comets seen; the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.’’ 

We seize this opportunity to call again for the closure of all schools in the troubled Northeast region and urge parents to find schools for their children in non-troubled zones. As it is said prevention is better than cure.