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By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman
The recent visit of the Edo State governor to Kano, ostensibly aimed at pacifying the rising anger over the tragic killing of 16 innocent travelers in his state, raises significant concerns that must not be overlooked.
While the governor’s attempt to connect with the people of Kano by speaking in Hausa and eliciting laughter is commendable in its intent, it should not obscure the gravity of the situation nor divert attention from the pressing demand for justice.
The Northern populace must remain vigilant and steadfast in their pursuit of accountability and justice, rather than allowing themselves to be swayed by mere gestures of goodwill.
The violent deaths of the 16 travelers is not merely a statistic; it represents a profound loss of life and a breach of the fundamental right to safety and security. Each victim had dreams, families, and futures that were cut short by an act of senseless violence.
Such tragedies are not isolated incidents; they are symptomatic of deeper societal issues, including insecurity, lawlessness, and systemic failure in governance. The anger that has erupted in the North is not just a reaction to this specific incident; it is a culmination of years of frustration over a perceived lack of protection and justice for the people of the region.
The governor’s visit, while ostensibly a step towards reconciliation, risks being perceived as a superficial attempt to placate a grieving population. It is essential to recognize that humor and language, while powerful tools for connection, do not substitute for substantive action. The laughter evoked during the governor’s speech should not be mistaken for a resolution to the underlying issues.
Instead, it can serve as a distraction from the urgent need for accountability and the establishment of a secure environment for all citizens.
Moreover, the governor’s visit should not be viewed through the lens of tribal or regional solidarity.
While it is crucial for leaders to engage with communities across Nigeria, such interactions must be rooted in a genuine commitment to justice and not merely a political maneuver to quell unrest.
The North has a right to demand answers and accountability from all levels of government, regardless of geographical boundaries. The lives lost in Edo State deserve justice, and the families of the victims should not be left to navigate their grief in silence or isolation.
The Northern populace must remain firm in their demand for justice. This requires a collective effort to hold leaders accountable and to ensure that the security apparatus of the state is reformed to prevent future occurrences of such heinous acts.
It is not enough to express condolences or to engage in symbolic gestures; there must be a concerted effort to address the root causes of violence and to foster an environment where the rule of law prevails.
While the governor’s visit may have been intended as a gesture of goodwill, it must not distract from the urgent need for justice for the victims of the killings.
The North should not be fooled by superficial attempts at reconciliation; instead, it must remain vigilant and unwavering in its pursuit of accountability. Justice is not merely a demand; it is a right that must be fervently sought and defended.
*Suleiman, a journalist, writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
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