Boko Haram Has Become a Monster, Nigerians Must Ask Questions – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Nigerians must begin to ask the right and necessary questions if the country is to effectively tackle the Boko Haram menace, which he described as a monster.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the public presentation of the book “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), Obasanjo lamented that insurgency has now become embedded in the daily lives of Nigerians.

The former president, who also wrote the foreword to the book, urged Nigerians to reflect deeply on the insurgency and demand answers that could lead to meaningful solutions.

“Boko Haram is now virtually becoming part of our life. Should we accept that? If we should not accept it, what should we do? How much do we know, even from the other side and from this side? Have we been active enough? Have we been proactive enough?” Obasanjo asked.

He warned that until citizens and leaders confront these questions, the insurgency would continue to evolve into an uncontrollable problem.

Obasanjo stressed that Boko Haram must not be treated as a normal occurrence, urging policymakers, security agencies, and ordinary Nigerians to engage in critical discussions that would yield practical strategies to defeat terrorism.

“I think we have to ask ourselves the necessary questions to be able to deal with this thing that is now becoming a monster within our country,” he added.

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

The former president commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his insider experiences in the fight against terrorism, noting that his book would serve both as a historical record and as a resource for future leaders.

According to him, putting such experiences in writing is “an act of courage” and a legacy for posterity.

The unveiling was attended by top dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, serving and retired service chiefs, former and current governors, clerics, and members of the diplomatic community.

The book presentation provided yet another platform where Nigeria’s prolonged battle with insurgency came under sharp focus, with speakers emphasising the need for reform, accountability, and a united national front against terrorism.