The latest news reports from Nigeria on Sunday show that Boko Haram has the ability to strike at targets anywhere within the northern reaches of the country and spread its murderous campaign of terror into neighbouring countries. The group launched an all-out assault on Maiduguri, sparking running battles and emphasising the need for a common front against the group.
At a meeting of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa at the weekend, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the decision of the AU to join forces to stop Boko Haram — a move that’s timely, badly needed and one that shows that there is no place on the continent for such an evil group.
What’s encouraging is that the AU has pledged to set up a multinational joint task force to coordinate efforts against the terrorists. Already, Boko Haram is responsible for creating more than a million internally displaced people in the region and its kidnapping and killings have generated a wave of fear unprecedented in decades.
What’s more worrying is that the Nigerian government has failed to organise a cohesive campaign against the group, and its troops are either incapable or inclined to end the threat. With elections due in Nigeria, there should be but one item on the agenda for voters — electing a powerful leader who can finally end the terrorist group, destroy its leadership, restore harmony and free the hostages enslaved by the terrorists. And who will work close with the AU to achieve that.