NIGERIA revels at copying. We copy a lot and add our own dimension to things. Sadly, one of our latest imported craze is the phenomenon known as Boko Haram. Some of our young men have allowed themselves to be turned into terrorists and stone cold killers. But how did we get to this sorry pass? Why did we start keeping company with Afghanistan and other such funny places? How did we get here, and who are these people?
Back in 2011, when it was looking like Boko Haram was going to careen out of control, former president Obasanjo stepped-in and attempted to unravel the Boko menace.
Off went OBJ to Borno State, the capital of Boko Haram. OBJ got there on September 15, 2011 ostensibly on a condolence visit to the family of a man who was killed back in July 2009. Obasanjo had a full and useful chat with one Baba Kura Fugu who christened himself representative of Boko Haram and spokesperson for the Fugu family. Two days later, Mr Fugu was dead, cut down in the same manner his father, Baba Fugu Mohammed, and his brother-in-law, the founder of the original Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf, were cut down.
