CONTINUING VIOLENCE ....

I recently wrote about terrorism in Nigeria and the post elicited a good number of crucial comments and observations. Although I agree with all the commentators who were clear to state that Nigeria is not a land of terror, I can't help but be saddened and continuously worried by the growing violence that seems to have taken grip of the land.

The Bayelsa State residence of the Vice President-elect, Jonathan Goodluck, was partially destroyed by 'attackers'. No one knows who the attackers were exactly but, two police officers lost their lives in the attack. Mr. Goodluck was not in the house at the time of the attack, but his parents were. Thankfully, no one else was reported hurt or killed.

More acts of violence happened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where a young child was kidnapped from a wealthy neighborhood. Further information about this situation is unfortunately not easily available.

These and other violent acts continue to grow at an exponential rate. Those who carry them out are becoming ever more abrasive and extreme. This has definitely reinforced the notion that Nigeria lacks safety. The security crisis is a likely reason why big firms failed to participate in a recent auction of oil licenses. Of course that is not the only reason, the BBC speculates that there are concrete political reasons for the hesitancy, but nevertheless, it was and is a cause for concern. A reduction in foreign direct investment will not help Nigeria, in my opinion. Such a slow down will negatively impact both the official and unofficial economies upon which all Nigerians depend for income in one way or the other. Who will suffer the most? The poor - that is 90% of the country. That will only make people more desperate and incite further violence and death.

And now, opposition parties have "vowed to physically stop the inauguration of Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua as the next President vowing to enthrone an interim government from May 29." I am unsure how they plan to achieve this feat, but the sense of elation I felt after the elections (because bloodshed was less than I expected and the Republic was still standing, despite my fears) is quickly ebbing away. I am desperately hoping that things go well for Nigerians and Nigeria. History suggests that it will. After all, we have overcome many an obstacle. But, I fear that violence will continue to escalate until we provide a means for the average person to provide for himself and his family without resorting to corruption or physical acts of violence. Until that day comes, my people, we must not sleep easy.