A Rise in Violence in Northern Nigeria

The stability of Nigeria's governement is once again being challenged by a new round of assassinations of policemen, politicians, and other prominent as well as non-prominent figures. These killings are being carried out by gunman on motorcycles that are believed to be part of a radical Islamic sect that was thought to have been defeated by the Nigerian military last year. A curfew is in effect again, and there is worry of more broad daylight attacks that occured the last time these radicals attacked. These new attacks come on the heels of a prsion break in Bauchi last month that freed over 700 (many of whom were jailed sect members), the firebombing of a Maiduguri police station last week, and the assinations of many political and religious leaders. Violence isn't necessarily a new trend in Nigeria, but the motorcycle hit-and-run style killing is. Some in Nigeria support the Islamic sect because they see the government as injust. With more than 70% of the people in the northern part of Nigeria living in povery, there is a reason for why people would be angry at the government. They want an even distribution of government funds, and are upset about the cruel and unfair way in which prisoners of the Nigerian police force are treated. However, there is still much fear, with a list of tragets (opponents of the sect) circulating no one knows where or when the next attack will be. The willingness of the sect to attack in broad daylight is another factor frightening many as they go about their every-day business. Whether or not the government will be able to keep stability in the coming weeks, and possisbly fix the corruption that is upsetting so many is something that the world should be keeping their eyes on.

For more information read the article on the New York Times at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/world/africa/19nigeria.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=world

By: Colin Zimmerman