EXCLUSIVE

AT THIS POINT, SILENCE IS NO LONGER GOLDEN

More than ever before, Nigeria needs peace to outgrow her economic challenges. The dwindling state of the economy, which has manifested in the form of increased poverty, high illiteracy level, ill health, among other disturbing features, is scary and should receive immediate attention, lest it further degenerate, probably bring the country to her knees. 

To address any problem, having identified it, there is the need for reassessment. The painful reality at present, no doubt, is a product of arrays of factors ranging from lack of vision, pervasive corruption, insecurity etc. 

Let's give insecurity a closer look. In recognition of the ultimate role of peace, it is generally accepted that development of any kind is built on its foundation, nothing else. Fa t remain, nothing thrives where violence reigns.

The fundamental function of every government, the world over, is to ensure security of lives and property, while seeing to improved welfare of citizens. To achieve this, government apparatus and institutions, the organized private sectors and individuals work in harmony, with each complementing the other. By this, we are safe to conclude that evolving and sustaining security is everybody's business. 

Bearing this in mind, the unfortunate conflict in Mararaba-Udege in Nasarawa State comes to mind. What started like a joke has blown out of proportion, claiming no less than 10 lives and properties worth a billion naira (estimatedly).

Given its strategic location, Mararaba-Udege is fast growing into the most economically viable community in Nasarawa State, attracting agric related businessmen and women from across the federation of Nigeria and far beyond, generating income for government, and creating direct and indirect jobs for the wider population. A community of such standing should not be allowed to be consumed by conflict, especially one that is intra-ethnic in nature. 

Government must act fast, implement report of the "Committee of Investigation" it constituted months back or review same for onward action. The bitter truth is, inaction, since the crisis ensued, has contributed largely to birth the most recent destructions, which have gradually escalated to Udege-Mbeki and now Agwada. Unless and until something is done, other communities may follow. May Allah forbid it. 

The rest of the population, particularly of Afo/Eloyi extraction, its stakeholders and youths alike, should understand that they will live to count their losses, with no minute gain in sight, afterwards. Lives already lossed are far gone, never to return. It would take humongous resources, time and energy to rebuild Mararaba-Udege more so that the country is facing unprecedented reforms that have continued to worsen condition of the people. The emotional trauma suffered by people who lossed their loved ones and valuable properties might linger for long. This gory, but stark reality, must not must not fester. 

It is time for all concerned, including government to break their silence, as it is no longer golden. Most importantly, it is time to take action.

Yahaya Abdulrahman writes from Nasarawa, Nasarawa State. He can be reached on ibnyahya02@gmail.com