Re: Complexities of banditorism

In this, you could see the result of the large-scale breakdown of law and order. The anarchy in the North is so ubiquitous that virtually everyone is a potential victim. Most of these so-called bandits, who are supposed to be on a reprisal mission for some perceived injustices meted out to them, end up killing, […]

In this, you could see the result of the large-scale breakdown of law and order. The anarchy in the North is so ubiquitous that virtually everyone is a potential victim.

Most of these so-called bandits, who are supposed to be on a reprisal mission for some perceived injustices meted out to them, end up killing, maiming, robbing and destroying the properties of ordinary folks who are themselves victims of the wider system.

Also, as opinion moulders and legal luminaries debate who is a terrorist or otherwise, the level of  destruction and sheer wickedness displayed by the bandits and the kidnap for ransom gangs, often equal or surpassed that by even the Boko Haram terrorists.

The recent legal declaration of bandits as terrorists by the government will amount to nothing if the populace does not see a practical departure in the way and manner the security forces deal decisively with them.

As the Hausas would say, “ An ce kare a na biki a gidan ku, ya ce, mu gani a kasa” The mix up between banditry and terrorism is so much that your “Ingausa” term “Banditorism” may not be far from the reality.

 

Garba Isa