The South eastern part of Nigeria is currently experiencing a high level of anarchy, siege, and violence, which highlights the absence of effective governance. If there is a government in power, it appears to be powerless in addressing the situation. The tension, anxiety, and fear prevailing in the five eastern states indicate a significant void.
In some cases, governors from the south east govern their states from Abuja, the capital city. Some of these governors may seek re-election for a second term. However, the rampant killings across different parts of Nigeria suggest a lack of government presence. If a government does exist, it seems to prioritize hedonism over the sanctity of human life. The loss of innocent lives in Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and other regions is a tragic situation. When a government fails to ensure the primary function of protecting lives and property, it loses its legitimacy. The current administration in Nigeria is witnessing a loss of life that may exceed that of the previous Muhammadu Buhari administration, unless drastic measures are taken.
The once peaceful region of the south east has transformed into a war zone in the past two to three years. There are numerous military checkpoints throughout the region, and many soldiers have been attacked and killed. The level of killings in the south east is unprecedented, depriving the Igbo people of their rights to freedom of movement and other fundamental rights necessary for a good and happy life.
The current state of uncertainty and uneasy calm in the south east is evident. Statements and actions taken by statesmen, socio-cultural groups, and organizations have had minimal impact. This is akin to a drop of water on a rocky ground. The violence and instability in the region have affected not only wealthy individuals but also government officials, technocrats, professionals, religious leaders, and other prominent personalities who have been killed or kidnapped. These acts have been carried out with extreme brutality, mutilating the bodies of victims. Transporters, commuters, private vehicle owners, and motorcyclists have suffered tragic incidents, including vehicle burnings and loss of life.
The tension in the south east can be compared to war-torn areas such as Darfur in Sudan and other regions affected by the encroachment of extremist groups like the Islamic State, al-Qaeda-linked groups, and Boko Haram. These forces have exploited wars, state collapse, and geopolitical upheaval, gaining footholds in Africa and posing threats in other parts of the world. The sense of danger and oppression faced by citizens in the south east is evident in their restricted movements and constant fear. The insecurity in the region makes it challenging to differentiate between groups with distinct goals. While the era of “unknown gunmen” seems to have diminished, hardliners and militants in the east remain resistant to dialogue, inclusion, and reform. These groups exert powerful control, supplanting the state and ruling through a combination of coercion and co-option. Military action alone may not be sufficient to defeat them.
Despite the challenging and distressing reality, the resilience, dynamism, and humanity of the people in the region are commendable. However, the events unfolding suggest a bleak future. There are patterns of radicalization, enrichment, and sponsorship that perpetuate the ongoing siege from village to village and individual to individual. Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Anambra states have been torn apart by violence. Several areas in Anambra State have become no-go zones for commuters, while many communities in Imo and Ebonyi states resemble ghost towns. Formerly thriving neighborhoods have transformed into fortified enclaves. Traveling to any part of the east requires safety concerns. The struggle for freedom has confined and isolated the region.
During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis in March 2020, the entire world was under lockdown. However, the “Sit-At-Home” order in the south east region has had different implications. Although the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) claims that their order was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s revolution in India, the two situations are not comparable. The high connection between the “Sit-At-Home” order and insecurity in the southeast is undeniable. Unfortunately, the sincere efforts of IPOB and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, have been overshadowed and hijacked. The enforcement of the order, whether from IPOB or other groups, has become more violent than peaceful. Historically, the “Sit-At-Home” tactic has been a nonviolent form of civil disobedience, as demonstrated during India’s struggle for independence. However, the current application in the south east has resulted in extensive damage and has not led to productive dialogue. The forces behind ensuring compliance with the order remain uncertain.
The porous and compromised security architecture in Nigeria has allowed “unknown gunmen” to operate freely in the southeast. The operation of different security outfits, such as the Eastern Security Network, EbubeAgu Security Front, and the “Unknown Gunmen,” remains a subject of confusion. While initially, the common Igbo people seemed pleased that the Nigerian Army, Police Force, and other security agencies, which had failed to address the actions of armed Fulani herders, were being challenged by unknown gunmen, the joy was short-lived. The horrors associated with the “Sit-At-Home” order emerged, resulting in property destruction, loss of life, and the suppression of freedom for those seeking change. It did not lead to dialogue but caused colossal damage. As of now, the forces responsible for ensuring compliance with the sit-at-home order in the south east remain uncertain.
The attack on Enugu Market and the burning of a police operational vehicle by gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home order further escalated the violence. Police stations and vehicles were destroyed, all of which were funded by taxpayers. The mayhem, killings, and destruction, particularly involving security agents, have created a state of lawlessness in the southeastern states. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the actions and impact of the people in the region have far outweighed any perceived failures of the APC-led government in securing lives and properties. While some still believe that the insecurity in the region is caused by Fulani herders, arsonists
