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Saturday, October 27, 2012

The End

We can sit in our homes eating Muller Yoghurt as I am, and try to forget what we found out these past weeks.

It actually pains me to write this, as I don't even know where to begin.

I am sure that most of you by now, have heard about the group of boys accused of stealing in Port Harcourt. They were beaten very badly, were pushed into a tyre and burned alive.

When did Nigerians ever get so brutal?

In fact, as I just wrote that sentence, this isn't new. The tragic horrors that occurred in Biafra, is nothing compared to what just happened. I think because I have never lived to see Nigerians doing such a thing - is the reason why it shocks me.

When did people lose such hope in the legal system, and in the order of things, that they decide to take matters into their own hands?

We have blamed the government for a lot of things, but right now, we should be blaming the people for becoming lawless infidels. The whole idea of Jungle Justice was taken to new heights.

Even under Sharia Law, (that has been criticised for being brutal, and not the best representation of justice served), would not have dealt with those boys the way they were. Sharia Law practised would have resulted in their hands cut off for stealing, or fingers pried off. Better than life being taken away.

Sorry for the gruesome imagery. But its the truth. It was not even proven beyond reasonable doubt that these boys stole. Even if they did, are we going to allow such brutality become the norm?

Boko Haram is led by humans, people.  You and me. We can blame the government for "sponsoring their activities" or failing to catch them, or other terrorist sects for funding them. Or we can realise that at the end of the day this is all being caused by human beings.

The same way human beings can take so much time out of their daily lives to kill a person, is the same way people can use their efforts in funding and rehabilitating a better nation.

The government finally woke up to the harsh realities of life, and have brought their killers to justice. I don't know whether you are realising this, but the more there is public outrage at home and abroad, the more the government seeks to find justice.

So keep shouting, keep talking, and use your greatest resource - yourself.