The Lepers of Lukarawas, by Ike Willie-Nwobu

It appears Nigeria has a new foe to contend with in the terrifying hemisphere of terrorism that the country has become. The authorities have confirmed that a new terrorist group, Lukarawas, has joined the insecurity frenzy going on in North-west and North-east Nigeria.

The terrorists are said to have been displaced from their former strongholds in. Mali and Niger Republic.

What makes the Giant of Africa an attractive destination for criminals shaken loose from other states?

Nigeria’s coddling of terrorism, especially under the administration of former president Muhammadu Buhari is coming back to bite the country hard. A costly and cowardly lack of ruthlessness in dealing with enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians have elevated common criminals to the heady heights of being considered as adversaries to the largest black country on earth. This is unacceptable.

When ants discover food, they are gracious enough to alert their colony and a feeding frenzy begins. This is what has been happening in Nigeria for years now. Terrorists have been making a meal of Nigerians and inviting others to feast.
They rape women, impose extortionate taxes; confiscate property; commandeer land and abduct as many people as they want.

These terrorists who have steadily but surely steeped Nigeria into a passive war have come in different forms over the years. Lukarawas appear to be the new vicious variant of terrorism in town.
The Defense Headquarters has already confirmed the presence of the terrorist group in Sokoto and Kebbi States. Whether the revelation was an alarm or a warning to Nigerians is unclear. What is clear is that the war against terrorism is not ending soon.

This war which started like an operation to contain Boko Haram which was intent on burning up territory from its base in Borno State has since expanded to contend with many other terrorist groups who have moved in to enjoy a field day.
While they have largely been contained and restricted to their conclaves in remote parts of the country in the Northeast and Northwest, where a combination of factors makes the regions perilous terrain for Nigerian troops, the terrorists count themselves successful.

To contend with the Giant of Africa for more than ten years and not give up every inch of space is surely an achievement for ragtag terrorists who pledge their loyalty to distant terrorist organizations like Al-Qa’ida and Al-Shabab, who may not even know that they exist.

In the modern evolution of the state and its bid to control power and politics, the equally intriguing emergence of state actors to contend with the state always makes for fascinating cinema, when it is not so costly, which is rarely.

Not like the Lukawaras needed any revelation to confirm their presence. Devastating attacks claimed by the group has left scores dead in Sokoto and Kebbi States.

Nigeria has huffed and puffed in its war against terror with underwhelming results. Terrorists have continued to do as they please, especially in rural areas where people live at their mercy.

The war against terror has been undermined by many avoidable challenges. Contending with these new foes will no doubt stretch to breaking point Nigeria’s resources.

But there is no escape and no excuse. Nigerians in rural areas cannot be abandoned to criminals who have no value for human life.

The Nigerian state must demonstrate its mettle by showing them the way out.

Ike Willie-Nwobu,
Ikewilly9@gmail.com