Nigeria's Symphony Orchestra of Violence

Like a wild virus spreading from the Northeast and now engulfing the entire spectra of Nigerian society. No region that Is not bedeviled by one agitation or the other in a violent form. So far only the south-south region which was hitherto the hub of violence is somehow not affected by an organized form of uprising. But that can be left to be seen with the ultimatum given by Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo to the Nigerian government.  



From the Boko Haram of the Northeast to bandits (Fulani militia, Unwkown GunMen UGM) in the northwest and north-central to the uprising spearheaded by Sunday Igboho in the southwest and the IPOD of Nnamdi Kanu, Nigeria is in a state of violent orgy perpetuated by an ideological factor and to criminal elements/factor. We have seen little agitation for inclusiveness ignored and now turned violent. We have seen a gradual but consistent metamorphosis of little criminal groups becoming terror groups. Suddenly when a criminal gang gets enough attention they concoct a deluded ideology and turn themselves into freedom fighters. Playing with the sensibility of Nigerians whose fault lines are already well established and emphasized by the political class. In Nigeria, the easiest way to continue carrying out criminal activities is to simply bring into play the "them versus us"  factor. That will automatically put you below the radar and grant you absolute immunity and also protection from your "Us" even when the "Us" are your a sole victim.


Like a symphony orchestra, it feels like a concert of violence and it is starting at decrescendo and we are aiming at a crescendo gradually. Initially, it sounds like a cacophony of noise but is now clear and you can easily hear different instruments, singing parts and they are achieving harmony. What is lacking at present is a conductor or should we say, conductors! 


This symphony of violence has become chronic and it's gradually becoming endemic. It is gradually becoming a way of life for some areas. Stories Of kidnapping in Kaduna and other Northwestern states are no longer shocking and the response to them is now left at the doorsteps of the families and colleagues. This is seen in the case of the Greenfield University student abduction and release. Two Nurse kidnapped at their duty post in uniform are still in captivity and all you hear is total silence from state actors. In the current epicenter of violence in the Southeast, there is a gradual eroding of constituted authorities by non-state actors to an extent that they are given directives, the only thing missing reminiscent of Boko Haram is the hoisting of flags. 

Another dimension is the disconcerting deafening silence coming from the regions affected. It seems we are in a cold civil war and an arms race, with each region trying to showcase its capacity for violence. We are reaching a point of balance of terror in a society that is mostly interwoven at multiple levels. We tend to step down the impact of our regional crisis while stepping up other regions' own. The concept of brother's keeper is no longer tenable as we have all gone the Cain way. 

The questions bugging my mind are enormous, like who is/are conducting this orchestra? To what gain? Are their ulterior motives? Is their external factors and influence? Is it a spontaneous response to the sociopolitical environment? What is the long time effect on the corporate existence of our nation? Is there a remedy to our malady? My rhetoric goes on and on.....

As an optimistic realist I believe if we have the will, Nigeria can survive according to our desire not as a construct of colonialism. We etch a way if there is political will, by learning from other multicultural societies around the globe especially in this era of multilateralism. Integration has been achieved to a certain level and we need only work on solidifying our gains. 

This symphonic orchestra of violent orgies needs to give way for great Nigeria to emerge as a global power.  It is time for a new nation #NewNation #SymphonicOchestraOfViolence

Solomon Danmori
A Mental Health Nurse and a social commentator
sadanmori@gmail.com





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