Though,
I strongly believe the declaration is belated; two or three years overdue, it
will, if properly executed not only weaken the terror group’s capacity to
strike but could also signal the beginning of an ‘end’ to terror in
Nigeria. But, with the ever increasing
poverty level and youthful unemployment rate, the end to terrorism may not come
soon.
After
listening to the President’s speech, a friend seated next to me asked, “Why
didn’t he declare a state of emergency in kano too?” he went further and said,
“For me, I think Kano deserves the third spot.” But which state is
more qualified to be on the list, Adamawa or Kano? Personally, I’m still
wondering how Kano dodged the hammer. Apart from Borno and Yobe states, Kano no
doubt has witnessed more Boko Haram orchestrated attacks than any other states
in Nigeria.
A brief history of Boko Haram
related attacks in Kano (January, 2012 – April 2013)
January
20, 2012: In what is considered the deadliest attack by the militant sect, the
City of Kano was rocked by multiple bombs attack. No fewer than 250 people were
murdered. Channels award winning reporter, Enenche Akogwu was also killed.
February
23, 2012: Militant Islamic sect attacked some quarters along BUK road in Kano
state. The home of the inspector general of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar was
also attacked according to eyewitness account. The police commissioner, in the
state however denied this claim.
Feb
6, 2012: In a daring daylight attach on a police station around the Sharada
area, unspecified number of people were killed.
March
9, 2012: Suspected Boko Haram militants attacked a police station in Riyar Zaki
in Ungogo local government area. In this attack, unspecified numbers of police
officers were killed while some fled the area.
March
12, 2012: In this attack, Boko Haram Militant sect attacked the Mandawari
Police station in Gwale local government area of Kano. Police claimed there was
no casualty in this attack.
April
29, 2012: In an attack targeted at the catholic student worshippers on the
campus of Bayero University, Kano, at least 8 people died.
January
15, 2013: Gunmen laid ambush for Policemen on patrol along Ugwa uku, Zaria road
(Yar awaki) Kano. Four policemen were killed in this attack.
Jan
19, 2013: unknown terrorist threw an IED on the convoy of the Emir of Kano, his
driver and three of his guards were killed in this attack.
Feb
8, 2013: Unknown gunmen killed nine female health workers in Kano
March
10, 2013: In drive by shooting, suspected Boko Haram militants killed two
people at Dakata Kawaji area in Kano.
March
18, 2013: In an attack on the popular luxurious motor park along new road in
Kano, more than 22 people were confirmed dead. About 70 people sustained
various degrees of injuries, while 5 buses were burnt.
April
17, 2013: Two Suicide Bombers attacked the palace of the emir of Kano. The
bombers detonated the explosive at the gate of the Palace. The first bomber
died instantly while the other was gunned down by troops guarding the palace.
A brief history of Boko Haram related
attacks in Adamawa state (January, 2012 – April 2013)
February
28, 2012: Heavily armed militants attacked Demsa Police station along Numan
road and set it on fire. Unspecified number of people died in this attack.
October
2, 2012: In an attack targeted at some students of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi
in Adamawa state, several students were killed in an off campus accommodation.
The Boko Haram militant sect was blamed for this attack.
April
26, 2013: Boko Haram militants attacked Mayo Balwa in Adamawa State; they
raided a Police facility and local bank. Weapons and huge sums of money were
carted away in this attack.
So
many attacks, shootings and killings go unreported on a daily basis in the city
of Kano. The same could be said for Adamawa state, but generally, Adamawa has
enjoyed relative peace in the last one year compared to Kano state.
Boko
haram fighters may be seeking refuge in Adamawa mountains or games reserves,
but they have not only killed more people in Kano but wreaked more havoc. So
far, the military offensive against the militants seem to be yielding fruits
already; Boko Haram related attacks have reduced greatly. So, it’s safe to give
the President the benefit of the doubt. He’s earned it.
Israel
Mark Ademola-Oguntuase
israelmarc86@gmail.com
Follow
on Twitter @Ademola_israel
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