Why Kano must conquer fear and fight back

Aliyu Musa
The terrorist invasion of Kano from January 20, 2012 onwards, the recent attack on His Royal Highness Alhaji Ado Bayero, and the killing last week of nine polio vaccinators in the ancient city of Kano are extraordinary tragic events that require deeper deconstruction and reactions. They were, to say the least, premeditated to signpost the city’s death knell.

Kano, once an economically and socially pulsating city is now not only a hob of poverty but a terrorist citadel where crimes are perpetrated with latitude, life is fully and determinedly devalued and rogue groups have successfully wrestled power from the state.

Thus, the invasion of January 20, 2012 went uninterrupted with maximum fatalities and an unprecedented number of deaths, conservatively put at 185. This was followed by similarly unparalleled attacks and killings including those at the Bayero University Kano.

If anyone had assumed the seeming lull that followed was an indication that those bent on driving the final nail had relented the attempt on the life of HRH Bayero completely gave the lie to it. Up until now this act remains a clearly senseless one whose motive will continue to defy any explanation. I shudder to imagine what would happen if the killers had succeeded, given the volatile state of the North and the possibility of conspiracy theories assuming any dimension.

The barbaric killing of nine polio vaccinators is further hint that Kano is on the death row and in need of urgent rescuing. Kano, to refresh our memory, is Nigeria’s second most populous state. It was once home to our magnificent groundnut pyramids and vibrant textile industries. It earned itself a place on world map in the 15th century during the reign of Sarki Muhammad Rumfa whose unique leadership style was glowingly glorified by the famous scholar Sheikh Muhammad Al-Maghili.

Its inconclusive war with Katsina notwithstanding Kano attained its peak in that time and maintained it for several centuries. But with the trial it now faces no one recalls those glorious days. What it is easily linked to are the ever-growing army of al-Majirai and the ‘nuisance’ they constitute. Additionally, it is now a safe haven for terrorists.

The onus is now on the good people of Kano to conquer fear and fight back. If by choice or otherwise everyone else (plus governments) leaves it to its plight its people cannot afford to ignore it. For example, the attack on the emir should not be seen as an isolated violation of the sacredness of their tradition nor should all the invasions and killings be dismissed as inconsequential happenings that would fade into the horizon.

They should be seen as a flame that has been kindled to consume its kindlers – those responsible for the endless violence in the state. Let the good people of Kano begin by massively rallying their people to accept that the war has been taken to them and they must muster courage to defend their home and people. They should reject further attempts to cripple their economy either by forces from within or outside.

For the umpteenth time, people should be made aware that polio is a major health menace that must be checkmated. And administering polio vaccines is medically the most acceptable means of fighting it. If anyone thinks the vaccines have been contaminated with unsolicited contraceptives they should advance their arguments scientifically.

If those behind the attack onthe emir of Kano and others believed they were waging a jihad they’re mistaken. What they did was incongruent to the teachings of our beloved Prophet (SAW). The people should therefore reject attempts to explain the violence as a religious duty and expose those behind such evil agenda. Islam does not preach or encourage violence.

During last year’s fuel subsidy protests the turnout in Kano metropolis was massive and the unity and resilience epochal. This needs to be reenacted against the terror confronting everything the city and people stand for. There is no better time to defend and revamp Kano than now. Let the good people of the state take on this challenge.

Postscript:

This piece also appears in the Blueprint newspaper of 15/2/13.