by Toluwanimi Onakoya

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Gruesome and graphic pictures have flooded Twitter timelines; showing large amounts of murdered, lifeless bodies on the streets, on the grass and on the sand in the North-Eastern state of Borno. This has caused a large public outcry in grief and in demand for the government to take decisive steps to alleviate the situation.

Not long ago, the news was flooded with similar pictures of people killed by armed bandits in Kaduna. Same killings that coincided with the period when the #BlackLivesMatter movement was just gathering momentum, in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Twitter users instituted a social media campaign calling for justice for those killed in Kaduna, with little response from the incumbent government.

In a similar trend, it’s been revealed that armed bandits killed many and kidnapped several others in Borno on Tuesday, raising another uproar and pushing the hashtag #NorthernLivesMatter. The killings were said to be of the actions of notorious insurgents, Boko Haram.

At least 81 people were killed in an attack on a village by suspected Boko Haram militants in northeast Nigeria, the Borno state government said in a statement released to CNN https://t.co/glVG7kgY1r

— CNN International (@cnni) June 10, 2020

 

There are also reports that President Muhammadu Buhari, upon announcement of the killings, expressed shock and has ordered military men to go after these terrorists.

As news of one of the most brutal terrorist attacks on innocent people emerged from the Northeast, President Muhammadu Buhari said he is deeply shocked by the brutal killing of tens of people by the Boko Haram/Islam in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Gubio village, Borno State.

— Garba Shehu (@GarShehu) June 10, 2020

 

This did not stop many Nigerians however from lambasting the President for his supposed inaction in curbing the killings in the North, with some declaring that he is completely inefficient and incapable of running the country.

Buhari lacks the energy, wisdom, tenacity and sagacity to rule this country.
Lest we forget.

The present administration rode on the back of insecurity to power in 2015 yet, things are getting worst everydayThe level of bloodletting in the North is frightful#NorthernLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/jRASZ8eeB2

— Aleeyu_Bamally (@AleeyuBamally) June 11, 2020

Look at how Boko Haram terrorists that Buhari loves to release attacked Borno community on Monday, killing so many innocent people. This Govt is too useless. pic.twitter.com/vtghKe6nlU

— Comrade Deji Adeyanju (@adeyanjudeji) June 10, 2020

 

 

Buhari lacks the energy, wisdom, tenacity and sagacity to rule this country.
Lest we forget.

The present administration rode on the back of insecurity to power in 2015 yet, things are getting worst everydayThe level of bloodletting in the North is frightful#NorthernLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/jRASZ8eeB2

— Aleeyu_Bamally (@AleeyuBamally) June 11, 2020

Some also screamed “Hypocrisy!” at the fact that some Nigerians had violently partaken in the campaign tagged #BlackLivesMatter which originated from the United States of America in protest of police brutality but have chosen to remain quiet in the ‘Borno Massacre.’

People that were screaming #BlackLivesMatter over death of one American are now quiet over killing of close to 100 in Borno yesterday.

— Comrade Deji Adeyanju (@adeyanjudeji) June 10, 2020

George floyd was killed in America u tweeted #BlackLivesMatter A girl was raped and killed in ibadan i guess u still tweeted #SayNoToRapist with positive vibes, but the North is bleeding like never before, but u chose to join #hushpuppy trend. What a waste?#NorthernLivesMatter

— Heryert_M.A? (@Heryert6) June 11, 2020

 

There were those that waved the news away with an insensitive flick of the palm, claiming that people die every day in the North hence Southerners should not concern themselves.

Killing or people died in northern Nigeria is normal thing don't let be too worried Southerners #NorthernLivesMatter

— The Green (@AdekunleAdeda19) June 11, 2020

 

Another perspective that rose upon the announcement of the tragedy were those that offered up condolences and vehemently spoke against the rehabilitation of these Boko Haram members. The incumbent government had put a plan in place that involved capturing some of these bandits, reconditioning them and releasing them back into society. The announcement of these killings has caused many to point fingers at this incentive, calling it a foolish move on the part of the government.

RIP to everyone who lost their lives In Gubio due to Boko Haram attacks. Anybody that sees these deaths and still wants to reform these terrorists is himself a terrorist and an enemy of the people of Nigeria

— Imoh Umoren (@TheImoh) June 10, 2020

What’s the value of life in Nigeria under Muhammadu Buhari?

These are not animals but humans; moms, dads, children killed by Boko Haram Gubio village LGA Borno state

Terrorists who Buhari keeps releasing back into society to kill again

Nigeria is one of the 1000 ways to die.? pic.twitter.com/HFnWKJfVZW

— NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) June 10, 2020

Many turned to the God they believe in, praying for intervention, his mercies and forgiveness so the killings can be put to an end.

Ya Allah, we prayed and seek for your mercy and forgiveness. The people of Borno,katsina are in need help ?.our leaders don't have any interest to tackle this menace.Ya Allah protect us.#Northerlivesmatter pic.twitter.com/cFAXvbj3BD

— Pizzaro? (@Danbatta7) June 11, 2020