The senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, on Sunday identified 13 factors responsible for the emergence of the Boko Haram insurgency, especially in North-East Nigeria.
Speaking when he received a delegation of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, in his Kaduna office, Mr. Sani described Boko Haram as a “demonic force” and a serious threat to the religion of Islam, Nigeria and humanity.
He said there was no better time than now for the MSSN to play a key role in addressing issues that bedevil the people, the region and the country.
“Your relevance today is very much needed in terms of finding solutions to the challenges of our era and challenge of our generation.
“I have been able to identify 13 factors that have seriously contributed to pervasive insecurity and the wave of violence and bloodshed ignited and sustained by insurgency in the North-eastern part of Nigeria.
“We have reached a point in the North where we are not safe in the mosque, not safe in office, not safe in church and in any public gathering,” he said.
Enumerating the factors, Mr Sani identified manipulation of religion as first major factor.
“The first and very strong factor has to do with manipulation of religion. There is no doubt those who took up the part of extremism sow its seed from manipulating and distorting religious teachings.
“The second is the disconnect between government and the governed. The growing gap between the leader and the led has created a vacuum, and has made it possible for violent extremists to take over that vacuum and propagate their murderous ideology.
“The third factor is the prevalence of social and economic injustices. What you refuse to invest in social security, you must spend on national security…”
