Daniel Adelaja

 

I was navigating around on Facebook a few hours ago when I stumbled on this update on Goodluck Jonathan’s page. It read: “Last Friday I launched a comprehensive database on all vehicles in Nigeria designed to link every vehicle to its owner/operator such that vehicles can be traced within seconds. This is part of proactive steps we are taking as part of a review of our national security architecture to lay greater emphasis on intelligence and citizens’ participation in security surveillance. Terrorism has no conscience and spares no one. We must stand together against terror in its destructive manifestations. GEJ”

I haven’t read about any other measure that the President has taken about the recent bomb attacks on the UN building in Abuja, so I’ll assume it’s the first. He ordered tighter security around the capital after what he called the ‘most despicable assault’ but it does seem he have gone ahead with proactive steps.

But for whatever reason, I am not quite certain it’s the best foot forward. Yes, the modus operandi of members of the Boko Haram cult seem to be ramming bomb loaded vehicles into key buildings and blowing them up. But the basic fact is that they are suicide bombers, which means they could soon step up their game to what is obtained in some parts of Asia, where they wear these bombs and blow themselves up in public places.

In my opinion, I think steps should be taken for those who are sponsoring this campaign to be arrested and tried. I read somewhere this week that these suicide bombers are paid as much as N10 million to perpetrate all those damages. I have a picture or two of the suspected suicide bombers and they didn’t look like those who have either or both affluence or influence. So logically, it is those that have the money that sit back and sponsor these attacks. Having said so, I am not discrediting the efforts GEJ has made so far in countering the operations of the sect. I just feel there are better methods that can curtail the alarming trend.