By Hauwa’u Baba Umar
The phrase “Unknown Gunmen” is a term commonly used by the journalists to refer to individuals who have committed violence or criminal acts but his identities are not immediately known or confirmed by authorities. Others are of the view that the word is use by the media or those in position of authority when referring to conceal the the true identity of those whose commit crimes.
In Nigeria, the menace of unknown gunmen have been a source of concern to many people, and the insecurity in various parts of the country particularly in the north central, northeast, southeast and northwest regions.
In the northeast, the activities of Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement of millions of people since 2009. The group, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government and several other countries, has been responsible for suicide bombings, shootings, and other attacks on civilian and military targets.
Consequently, southeast, north central and northwest have also witnessed an increase in the activities of unknown gunmen, cattle rustlers, banditry and kidnapping who have been involved in attacks on villages police stations, prisons, and other security facilities, as well as the killings of security personnel and other civilians. These attacks have been linked to separatist groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who are calling for the secession of the region and the creation of an independent state of Biafra.
The phenomenon of unknown gunmen in Nigeria have led to a Crackdown of law and order in mostly affected areas, as well as a sense of fear and uncertainty among residents.
The prevalence of unknown gunmen in Nigeria have had various negative consequences on the country in various ramifications.
Most of the attacks carried out by these ailments have led to the loss of many lives and property, particularly in the northeast, northwest and southeast and recently, the north central regions. This has created a sense of fear and insecurity among the people in those areas.
The act of terror perpetrated by unknown gunmen has also led to the displacement of many people, who have been forced to flee their homes and communities in search of safety for their lives.
Economically, both macro and micro economy have adversely affected, The activities of unknown gunmen have also had a negative impact on the economy, particularly in affected regions where businesses and markets have been disrupted.
No doubt Ethno-religious tensions has significantly increased were as both parties are pointing accusing fingers to one another, the development have also heightened ethno-religious tensions in some parts of Nigeria, particularly in the southeast, where there have been calls for secession.
In the course of these killings, maiming Human rights abuses is certain. There have been reports of human rights abuses by security forces in their efforts to contain the activities of unknown gunmen. These abuses have included extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests.
Government at various levels have done a lot in mitigating the activities of unknown gunmen, the fight is require a comprehensive and multidimensional approach toward addresses the underlying social, economic, and political factors that contribute to the violence.
Also Nigerian government should carry out reforms in the security sector to ensure that security forces are professional and are well equipped with modern technology gadgets.
Conclusively, to nip the bud on the nib will require a long-term and sustained effort that involves all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and affected communities.
Hauwa’u Baba Umar wrote from Abubakar Tatari Ali polytechnic Bauchi, hauwababaumar001@gmail.com
