By Ben Osawe
The term "whistling in the dark" aptly describes the current state of mind for many citizens in Plateau State and across Nigeria. This expression, which refers to the act of trying to stay optimistic in the face of overwhelming odds, captures the resilience people are forced to adopt as they grapple with the unrelenting violence that has plagued their communities.
Since May 15, 2023, a campaign of brutal attacks has ravaged Mangu and surrounding villages in Plateau State, leading to the deaths of over 216 individuals and the displacement of thousands more. The devastation has been extensive, with 51 villages falling victim to these attacks, leaving behind a trail of destruction and sorrow. The bloodshed is more than just a grim statistic; it represents the lives of men, women, and children who simply sought to live peacefully in their ancestral homes, now abandoned by the Nigerian state.
In this atmosphere of sustained violence, the absence of common standards and effective governance threatens to unravel the very fabric of society. The concept of blood guilt, deeply rooted in religious teachings, suggests that such unchecked violence carries consequences not just for the perpetrators but for the entire nation. The shedding of innocent blood pollutes the land, bringing with it a burden of guilt that cannot be ignored or wished away.
Nigeria's progress as a nation is inextricably linked to its ability to address the ongoing crisis and uphold the sanctity of life. The current situation is a stark reminder that without decisive action to end the violence and heal the divisions within society, the nation risks descending further into chaos. The time has come for Nigeria to confront this crisis head-on, acknowledging the blood guilt that hangs over the nation and taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation and peace.
As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "If we fail to live as brothers, we will die as fools." The knowledge to address these issues exists, but what is missing is the collective courage to act on that knowledge and bring about the change that is so desperately needed. The question now is whether Nigeria will continue to whistle in the dark or rise to the challenge of building a just and peaceful society.
