Chibok’s terror is our terror

The latest wave of attacks on Chibok community in Borno State by suspected Boko Haram terrorists marks yet another dark chapter in a long history of suffering and terror in the region. The devastation inflicted by these attacks—most recently in Bazir village, which saw the deaths of two brothers and the burning of homes and a church—underscores the ongoing insecurity that continues to plague the area. This is not a new phenomenon for Chibok, a town already scarred by the infamous abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in 2014, an event that drew global attention to the horrors wrought by the insurgency.

Despite decades of military interventions, Chibok remains a focal point in the war against terrorism in Nigeria. The attack on January 12, 2025, was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern that has seen villages like Njiland and Shikarkir repeatedly targeted. The assault, which left two youths dead, a woman injured, and several homes reduced to ashes, is a tragic reminder that the situation in Borno State remains precarious. What is even more alarming is the fact that such attacks continue with alarming frequency, despite the presence of over 1,500 soldiers and vigilantes in the area.

The questions that arise from these recurring incidents are stark: Why does Chibok continue to bear the brunt of Boko Haram’s terror? Why, despite the seemingly overwhelming presence of security forces, do such attacks go unchallenged? While there is no simple answer to these questions, it is clear that the Nigerian government and the Borno State authorities must rethink their strategies if they are to bring lasting peace to this war-torn region.

The people of Chibok have lived under the shadow of fear for far too long. Their appeal for protection is both urgent and reasonable: “We are no longer safe in our community.” This cry for help is not just a plea for security, but a call for the government to fulfill its primary responsibility of ensuring the safety of its citizens. It is not just the military presence that matters; it is the effectiveness of that presence, and the coordination between various security agencies, that will make the difference.

The government must also heed the call for more proactive measures, such as better equipping local vigilantes and ensuring that they have the necessary support from the military to defend their communities. The failure to protect these villages does not only embolden the terrorists but also erodes the trust the people have in their leaders.

This crisis demands a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. Security must be intensified, but it must also be strategic and sustainable. The continuous attacks on Chibok, despite the significant military deployment, raise the question of whether resources are being optimally utilised. More collaboration between local and national security forces, greater community involvement, and a robust intelligence network are critical components of any solution.

Chibok’s plight is not merely a local issue but a national crisis. It is a reminder of the complex nature of Nigeria’s ongoing battle against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups. The historical significance of Chibok in the context of the war on terror cannot be overstated. The community’s suffering is emblematic of the wider insecurity that continues to affect the northeastern part of the country.

The Nigerian government, as well as state and local leaders, must ensure that the right measures are put in place to end the terror in Chibok. This means more than just military action—it requires a commitment to long-term peacebuilding, rehabilitation, and stability. The people of Chibok deserve the right to live in peace, free from the constant threat of violence.

As the people of Chibok continue to face unimaginable hardships, it is incumbent upon the government to act decisively. The time for rhetoric has passed; now is the time for action to end the reign of terror that has haunted this community for so long. The people of Chibok have shown incredible resilience, but they cannot and should not be left to fend for themselves any longer.