Lucas Robison

Period 2
Event #2
9/16/15

Boko Haram & Nigeria

Thousands fleeing in terror. Children, taken from their schools and forced into slavery.
Boko Haram, rampaging through towns and villages, plundering, killing and spreading terror
wherever they go. Refugees flooding camps, living in complete dread, sleeping in huts and
broken down sheds. Many lying in streets and cities, dead, killed by the horrific Boko Haram.
This is Nigeria.
Boko Haram is an Islamic extremist group that has spread terror and violence throughout
Nigeria. They reject Western ways and have condemned them, saying that the west is corrupt and
evil. Boko Haram preys on the weak, taking advantage of the tenuous and corrupt Nigerian
government. They lure children in with aid, and then transform them into killing monsters. Many
kill their own friends and family, brainwashed by Boko Haram. The Nigerian government,
although has recently improved, has been crooked for a long time. Using excess money from oil
revenue, the officials help themselves to a big salary and nice life, at the expense of the
thousands of people in extreme poverty. Boko Haram, starting in the north and the most povertystricken places, has won over many people, gaining support and resources. They terrorize people
in Nigeria, using extreme actions of violence. They have kidnapped over 200 children, selling
them into a life of slavery. However, many in Nigeria see them as a godsend, because Boko
Haram gives relief aid and school systems to those in poverty. Despite helping some meagerly,
for the most part, Boko Haram has ruined Nigeria. The president at the time, Goodluck Jonathan,
a Christian, declared a state of emergency. It is as if they cannot be stopped. Over 2,000 innocent
lives have been lost.

Lucas Robison
Period 2
Event #2
9/16/15

Yet there is still hope. If the Nigerian government acts now, they can prevent the terror in
their country. There have been many attacks against Boko Haram in attempts to disperse them,
but this has been unsuccessful. A large part of why it has been so unsuccessful is the amount of
support they have. People, mainly in the north, are fed up with the fraudulent government and
have turned to Boko Haram as a last resort. The Nigerian government has to help those in need if
they are to get rid of Boko Haram. Instead of trying to eradicate them by force at first, officials
can help people in poverty and win them over. In the north, there are many people that could help
fight the war on terror, but they do not trust the Nigerian government. If the government aids the
north, Boko Haram would not have any more influence. With an increase of soldiers and support
on its side, the government can then fight and annihilate Boko Haram. (Boko Haram/Nigeria).
This is really the only way to dispose of Boko Haram. Not only does it do that, it helps
mend the countrys disabled and divided people. Nigeria also must be secular, making sure every
religion gets along. This prevents future conflict and moreover repairs the country even more.
Nigeria has many soldiers fighting Boko Haram, all different ethnicities. If they can coexist
while risking their lives, dying for Nigeria, Christians and Muslims can exist side by side in daily
life. They need to realize that war hurts everyone, not just the opposition.
Using this method of rehabilitation, Nigeria can become a prosperous and enjoyable
place to live, as it once was. People in both the north and south can live together, in a peaceful
and flourishing community. With Boko Haram gone, the public can rest in ease.