Nigeria's humanitarian crisis could become a global problem

Religious minorities in Nigeria’s north and middle belt are battling with religious inequality as well as attacks from the insurgent group Boko Haram and nomadic Fulani herdsmen. In a report released today, the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative called on the international community to assist Nigeria with what is rapidly becoming a global crisis.

The Global Terrorism Index ranks Boko Haram the world’s most lethal terrorist group, with the nomadic Fulani militants not far behind, in fourth place. Boko Haram has killed more than 15,000 people, abducted more than 2,000, and displaced more than 2 million people internally since 2012. Human rights advocates said the extremist group’s pledge of allegiance to Islamic State last year widened the range of its threat.

“This affiliation means Boko Haram is now part of the organization’s declaration of war both against the Nigerian government and the American government,” said Frank Wolf, former U.S. representative now with the Wilberforce Initiative.

The kidnapping of schoolgirls two years ago from the predominantly Christian village of Chibok marked one of Boko Haram’s most high-profile attacks. Mary, the first mother of a missing Chibok girl to speak in the United States, said many of the parents are still suffering from the loss.

“They packed our girls, and left us with sorrow and pain,” she said.

Mary’s daughter, who was nearly 16 at the time of the kidnapping, turned 18 yesterday. Mary, who’s only using her first name to protect her family’s safety, said it was encouraging to see members of Congress join in commemorating the missing girls every Wednesday but called for more support to bring down Boko Haram.

“I want the global community to assist, please assist us in prayers and supporting the Nigerian army because they are not working on it,” she said.

As Boko Haram plagues the northeast, Fulani militants are posing a security threat in Nigeria’s middle belt. Since 2015, the militants have carried out 55 separate attacks in 14 states, killing more than 1,000 people, most of them Christians. In Plateau state, herdsmen razed the town of Jol, illegally erected new structures, and claimed the town as their own. Security forces did nothing about it.

“The Fulani people have killed our women and killed members of our community in front of the security personnel,” a village elder from Jol told the Wilberforce Initiative. “There is a complicity.”

Human rights advocates worry the Fulani militants will soon pose a global threat as their attacks spread across Nigeria.

“If the Fulani militants are allowed to destabilize the capital of Abuja, or extend their reach to the southern portion of Nigeria, the implications of the security threat are severe,” said Elijah Brown, executive vice president of the Wilberforce Initiative. “In an extreme situation, this can cause a massive refugee crisis that will be felt into Europe in an economical and security disruption that will disrupt the entire region.”

Religious liberty advocates urged the Nigerian government to investigate and reprimand the people guilty of violent acts, saying trust-building will lead to greater tolerance.

Becky Gadzama, who started the Education Must Continue Initiative for Boko Haram’s rescued captives, called for education as a solution to affect change among the youth.

“I believe we can co-exist in the future if we’re able to make our youth realize education is important, and build their capacities. If everyone has something to do, then nobody will leave to go and fight,” Gadzama said.

Wolf urged the U.S. State Department to offer counseling and rehabilitation aid to the Nigerian government through organizations like International Justice Mission and Sharing Hope. He also called on the American government to create a special envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region to focus on Boko Haram and other militant groups.