Boko Haram in Nigeria – a new approach. Will it work?

Have you heard the name Boko Haram? This is the name given to an Islamist group in Nigeria who are opposed to western education and western influence. They promote the imposition of Sharia or Islamic law in the country and would like to rid Nigeria of the influence of the infidels – the non-Muslims. They have been active since 2009 but their attacks have become worse in the last three years, now extending to violence against women and children.

The city of Jos, in Nigeria’s central plateau, has been the site of many attacks. Our two younger children attended boarding school in Jos in the 1980’s. My friend Joanne lives there still. The death and destruction in Jos makes me very sad.

There have been fewer incidents in Jos recently. That doesn’t mean Boko Haram has been defeated. Far from it – they have been in the news with even more horrific acts. In the last week there was a bombing at a bus station in Nigeria’s capital Abuja where dozens died. A day later I heard news of more violence against women – this time the abduction of secondary school girls in Borno State, in the far north east of the country. There have been conflicting reports on the current status of the girls.

Two weeks ago I read this article from the Economist that Max Siollun had posted on his blog. It talks about an attempt by Nigeria’s leaders to “win the hearts and minds” of the Boko Haram fighters. How I wish that the government would pursue this path vigorously and succeed. I am not hopeful.