Former Military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing threat posed by Boko Haram to Nigeria’s stability and development.
Speaking at an event in Abuja during the launch of two books authored by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Professor Abdullahi Y. Shehu, Gowon highlighted the significant impact of Boko Haram on the country since the civil war era.
Gowon emphasized that Boko Haram’s emergence has presented a grave challenge to Nigeria’s peace and progress, comparable to the turmoil experienced during the civil war.
He reflected on his hope, following the civil war, that Nigeria would not face similar upheavals again, only to be confronted by the emergence of Boko Haram.
“Boko Haram has indeed created a serious problem. After the Civil War, l remember saying, I hope that we will not experience what we went through during that period again. Unfortunately, Boko Haram appeared.”
According to Gowon, comprehending the full extent of Boko Haram’s impact is crucial for devising effective solutions to address the insurgency.
He stressed the importance of understanding the profound consequences of the insurgency on Nigeria’s society and economy.
Furthermore, Gowon acknowledged that the insurgency is just one facet of the multifaceted security challenges facing Nigeria, which include banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, and other violent confrontations.
In essence, Gowon’s remarks underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to tackle the complex security threats facing Nigeria, with a particular focus on understanding and addressing the root causes of insurgency and violence in the country.
