I woke up to some good news, which I believe every well-meaning Nigerian will be happy about, except those responsible for the heinous crimes against humanity in our country. Those who are making life miserable for Nigerians may not be pleased with the news. Likewise, those who benefit from these crimes may not be happy because it could affect their source of income and the way they operate.
However, it is not a curse to say that anyone who profits from another person’s pain or deliberately inflicts suffering on innocent people does not deserve to be blessed. Such a person deserves nothing but God’s judgment. If there were any other fitting punishment, I would say that such individuals or groups deserve the full weight of the law, including the highest legal penalties where applicable.
The good news is the release of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. It was a horrifying experience that no one would ever wish on a loved one, a family member, or even an enemy. The level of pain, fear, and trauma that people in captivity are often subjected to is unimaginable.
Imagine being deprived of proper sleep or not knowing whether you will ever regain your freedom. Imagine living every day without any certainty that you will leave the kidnappers’ den alive. Imagine the trauma of witnessing a colleague being beheaded. How would anyone be expected to remain emotionally stable after such an experience? Imagine living in constant fear and uncertainty about the future. Think about the pain those young children must have endured. Then consider their family members—parents who knew that one or two of their children were being held captive. Imagine the fear, anxiety, and emotional stress they had to endure every single day.
It is truly a thing of joy that they have finally been rescued and released. What we do not know is whether the government paid a ransom, as nothing has been officially stated. If there were any political undertones to the incident, they may never be made public. It is unfortunate that a country blessed with abundant natural and human resources continues to face such insecurity.
Our government needs to do better. It should focus on ensuring that every citizen has access to quality basic education and create opportunities that reduce idleness among young people. As the saying goes, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” I also believe that many of these crimes cannot be carried out without the involvement of people who know the communities where they occur.
The government should also create a conducive and enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Entrepreneurs, especially those who are just starting out, should receive the support they need to succeed. Creating jobs and empowering young people can help reduce crime and improve the nation’s economy.
The public also has a role to play by remaining security conscious. If you see something, say something. We should not act as though another person’s problem does not concern us. We must remember that an injury to one is an injury to all.
