By SUNNY IKHIOYA
The Orire school kidnapping ended on a happy note for the whole country, although a sad one for the family of the slaughtered maths teacher, Oyedokun. Overall, we give thanks; it could have been worse. For once, in a long time, the terrorists’ campaign ended in a total loss for them, with no concession granted to any of their requests. For once, the intelligence capabilities of the Nigerian combined armed forces were put to work with absolute success. For once, the professionalism of our soldiers was put to the test and they excelled. So, all along, it has always been a lack of willpower on the part of the people running our country. Now that the weakness of the bandits has been laid bare under this dispensation, it is time to put an end to their activities all over the country.
By this single operation, the Nigerian armed forces have restored the dignity and respect that they once enjoyed in the seventies to the nineties. That they are a well-trained and professional force is no longer in doubt; now is the time to put the activities of those clowns to permanent rest. They must adhere strictly to the instructions of the minister of defence, to take the battle to the bandits and attack them without waiting for orders. They must now be proactive instead of being reactive as they have been in the past. The saboteurs among them must be identified and neutralised. The solution to banditry and terrorism has never been through negotiations; it is always by strong will and superior power, backed by strong passion for the national cause. We must begin to evaluate our orientation and culture towards our oneness. Ideologies, religions and cultures that are antithetical to our common goal and unity must be brutally suppressed.
