By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja

NIGERIA is once again grappling with a familiar horror: suicide bombings.

The recent attack in Gwoza, Borno State, has sent shockwaves across the country, reviving memories of a traumatic past. For years, Nigerians lived in fear of bombings that could strike at any moment, claiming innocent lives and leaving destruction in their wake. The relative calm of the past few years had brought hope that the worst was over. But now, the resurgence of suicide bombings has shattered that fragile peace, plunging the nation back into a state of anxiety and uncertainty.

Establishing the stakes

The return of suicide bombings has raised the specter of a dark era many thought was behind them. The fear is palpable, as people wonder if they will be the next victims. Parents are uneasy about sending their children to school or the market, while commuters hesitate to board buses. The uncertainty is suffocating, as Nigerians struggle to make sense of the renewed violence. Will the government be able to contain this new wave of terror, or will the country slide back into the abyss of fear and chaos? The stakes are high, and the nation holds its breath, waiting for answers.

A dark history revisited

Between 2011 and 2016, Nigeria was gripped by a wave of suicide bombings that left a trail of devastation and heartbreak. The insurgency, led by Boko Haram, targeted markets, schools, churches, and mosques, killing thousands and displacing millions. The attacks were brutal and indiscriminate, with bombers striking at busy bus stations, like the Nyanya bombing in 2014 that killed over 100 people. The victims were ordinary Nigerians, like Hauwa, a young mother who lost her husband and two children in a bombing in Maiduguri. “I was at home when I heard the explosion. I rushed to the scene and found my family gone,” she recalled, tears streaming down her face.

Survivors like Terwase Msugh, who lost his leg in the Nyanya bombing in Abuja, struggled to come to terms with their new reality. “I was a mechanic, but now I can’t even walk,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

Families of victims, like the Okonkwos, who lost their daughter in the same bombing in Abuja, still grieve the loss of their loved ones. “She was just 19, with her whole life ahead of her,” her mother said, her eyes welling up with tears.

In 2016, the Federal Government led by former President Muhammadu Buhari declared that Boko Haram had been ‘technically defeated,’ and the suicide bombings slowed to a trickle. The nation breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the worst was over. But the recent attack in Gwoza has shattered that illusion, leaving Nigerians wondering if the nightmare is far from over.

The triple tragedy of Gwoza

On Saturday, June 29, 2024, the town of Gwoza in Borno State was struck by a devastating triple suicide bombing. The attackers, three female bombers, targeted a wedding, a funeral, and a hospital, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. At least 32 people lost their lives, with the death toll expected to rise. Over 100 others were injured, many critically.

“I was celebrating at the wedding when I heard a loud explosion. I saw people lying on the ground, some motionless, others crying for help. It was chaos,” said Ahmed, a survivor who suffered minor injuries. As people gathered to mourn the victims, a second bomber attacked the funeral, causing even more carnage. “We were burying our loved ones when the bomber struck. I can’t describe the horror, the screams, the blood everywhere,” said Fatima, who lost her brother in the attack.

Meanwhile, a third bomber targeted the hospital, where the injured from the previous attacks were being treated. The attacks have left the Gwoza community in shock and grief, with many searching for loved ones amidst the rubble. No group has claimed responsibility yet, but the modus operandi suggests the involvement of Boko Haram or its splinter group, ISWAP.

This latest atrocity has once again highlighted the vulnerability of innocent civilians in Borno State, which has been ravaged by 15 years of violence, displacement, and terror. The people of Gwoza are left to pick up the pieces, their lives forever changed by these senseless acts of violence.

Outrage, concern as stakeholders, experts speak

While the immediate cause of the recent suicide attacks in Gwoza remains unknown, the terror acts have sparked outrage and concern among Nigerians. In response, various stakeholders are calling for collective action to defeat terrorism and ensure the safety of all citizens.

Fix root causes of extremism, Northern Elders charge FG

The Northern Elders Forum urged the government to take decisive action to address the root causes of extremism. According to Alhaji Suleiman Abdul-Azeez, spokesman for the Northern Elders Forum, “The recent resurgence of suicide bombings in Gwoza, Borno State has once again brought to the forefront the ongoing threat posed by terrorism and extremism in Northern Nigeria.” Abdul-Azeez emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, surveillance, and early warning systems in disrupting terrorist networks and thwarting their plans. He also identified the lack of economic opportunities and widespread poverty as key factors driving suicide bombings in the region.

“One of the key factors driving suicide bombings in the region is the lack of economic opportunities and widespread poverty,” he told Saturday Vanguard. To prevent future attacks, Abdul-Azeez stressed the need for fostering community resilience and promoting social cohesion. He further noted that addressing the root causes of extremism and violence requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just military interventions.

Leadership courage needed to defeat those responsible for suicide bombings – Obiezu

Kene Obiezu, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, called for leadership courage to confront the perpetrators of violence and bring comfort to the suffering people of Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a country sorely in need of comfort, the kind of comfort that can only come from courage – the courage of its leaders to finally and forcefully confront those responsible for the immeasurable suffering of its people,” he said. The recent Gwoza attacks, which saw women used as suicide bombers, have once again highlighted the victimization of women in conflicts and terrorism.

“The image of a mother as a guarantor of life spectacularly fell apart in the devastating terrorist attack of June 29th, 2024. Women have been twice victims of the deadly insurgency that has rippled through Northern Nigeria for more than a decade now,” Obiezu noted.

I see handwriting of Al-Qaeda related terrorism – Dr. Ifedinma

Dr. Sunny Ifedinma, a counter-terrorism expert and the Director of the Africa Counter Terrorism and Security Academy in England, expressed concern about the lack of a coordinated response to the threat of terrorism in the country. According to him, the recent multiple suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, may signal a new and more dangerous brand of terrorism in Nigeria, potentially linked to Al-Qaeda. He said, “It is like the whole chapter is reopening again and it appears a very deadly one – multiple attacks in a single day. I see the handwriting of Al-Qaeda-related terrorism because that is their trademark. The most disturbing aspect of the whole issue is the fact that we don’t even know the origin of the suspects or those who carried out that operation.

“We need to establish a proper counterterrorism agency in Nigeria…most of the counterterrorism efforts we are making are at the center whereas these things are happening at the local levels. There’s no way a country facing this kind of problem can do without a proper counterterrorism institution. What is happening now is that the process is being monopolized by the military.”

Suicide bombings, threat to our humanity – CAN President

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, condemned the attacks and urged the government to intensify efforts to ensure citizen safety. “We must come together to condemn this evil and support the efforts of our security agents to keep us safe. Terrorism is a threat to our collective humanity. Innocent lives were lost, and it could have been anyone – a family member, a friend, or a neighbour. I call on the government to intensify efforts to ensure the security and safety of all citizens, particularly in vulnerable regions,” he said.

Trend of Gwoza suicide bombings, unusual – Arewa Youths

The Arewa Youth Assembly expressed surprise over the unusual nature of the attacks. In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, the Speaker of the assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Danlami Mohammed, shared his thoughts on the developments. He said, “The recent suicide bombings have not been claimed by Boko Haram or ISWAP, which is unusual. Normally, they take credit for such attacks and explain why they did it, like demanding the release of their captured leaders or retaliating against military actions. The fact that only women were involved in these bombings adds to the confusion. We are talking to people in Maiduguri to understand why suicide bombings are happening again in the northeast.”

The path forward

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these attacks, memories of the past come flooding back. The horrors of Boko Haram’s insurgency, which ravaged the region for years, are still fresh in the minds of many. The thought of a return to those dark days is unbearable. The impact of the Gwoza suicide bombings on the people and the nation cannot be overstated. Lives lost, families shattered, and communities left to pick up the pieces.

The economic and social fabric of the region is also severely strained. Even in the face of such adversity, there is hope. The resilience and determination of the Nigerian people have always shone through in times of crisis.

The government, security forces, and civil society must work together to prevent a return to the past. The government’s response will be crucial in determining whether Nigeria can once again find peace. Swift and effective action, combined with community support and international cooperation, can help to stem the tide of violence. Establishing a proper counterterrorism agency and enhancing local level efforts, as suggested by Dr. Ifedinma, are steps in the right direction. Fostering community resilience and promoting social cohesion, as emphasized by the Northern Elders Forum, is vital.

Addressing the root causes of extremism, such as economic disparity and lack of opportunities, is essential in preventing future radicalization and violence. Leadership courage, as called for by Kene Obiezu, is necessary to confront those responsible for the violence and bring justice to the victims. The nation’s leaders must take decisive actions to dismantle terrorist networks and provide comfort and security to the suffering populace. The international community’s role in supporting Nigeria through intelligence sharing, financial aid, and strategic support is also critical.

A unified global stance against terrorism can help bolster Nigeria’s efforts to combat these threats. Ultimately, the nation’s strength lies in its ability to unite against common threats and work towards a shared vision of safety and prosperity.

This spirit of unity and determination will be key in navigating through the present crisis and building a more resilient and secure future for all Nigerians. Nigerians must stand united against terrorism, support those affected, and work towards a future where such atrocities are never tolerated. Only then can the people truly say that they have learned from the lessons of the past and are building a safer, more peaceful Nigeria for all.