"How do you cope with Boko Haram insurgency in the North?"
Hello everybody, Simon here! Today, we’re diving into something significant - is Northern Nigeria safe? I'll be sharing some stories here so don't forget to subscribe.
Having traveled to different parts of Nigeria, one of the most common questions I get is;
"How do you cope with Boko Haram and insurgency in the northern states?"
How Do We Northern Nigerians Cope with Boko Haram Insurgency?
If you watch the news or live in Nigeria, you know that over the past two or three decades, there’s been a rise in insurgency. Especially from Boko Haram in northern Nigeria, affecting states like Borno, Maiduguri, and others.
Here's the reality:
I’ve spent over 20 years in the Northeast and haven’t personally faced or come across any insurgency attacks.
This doesn’t mean these incidents don’t happen, but the media’s portrayal can make it feel exaggerated.
Read on, I'll explain...
I’ve traveled across the north, and my experience has been far more peaceful than people expect.
Part of my comfort comes from being able to speak Hausa, which is widely spoken here, but it’s more than that.
In Taraba State, for example, I can walk freely at any time of the day or night without fearing armed robbery, kidnapping, or other crimes.
Yes, there are areas where these risks exist, but these are mostly remote, sparsely populated regions.
The Truth about Northern Nigeria’s Peace - An Insider Story
You see, the North is more peaceful than people think. I’ve spent my entire life studying and working in different northern states.
And I’ve never had a direct encounter with Boko Haram or an insurgency situation.
While these things do occur, they’re often in remote villages far from town centers.
A Story from Yola, Adamawa State.
Sometime back, I was in Yola, Adamawa state when news broke of a Boko Haram attack in Numan, a nearby Local Government.
The news reported an alleged group of bandit killings in that Local government area of Adamawa state.
My parents in Taraba were worried and urged me to come home. But as I stepped out of school and moved around town, I saw people going about their daily business—farmers working, taxis running, life as usual.
"Me sef shock" ("I was in complete shock")
The news of an insurgency nearby led to panic, yet right there in Yola, it was calm.
I was there!
Trust Me, the News Tends to "Cause Panic or Exegerate".
This is not to say good and innocent people aren't killed by insurgency in this part but the news makes it seem like the entire state or region is affected.
You'd most likely have to drive long distances to get to some of these affected areas.
If you’re outside looking in or watching the news, it’s easy to think one incident defines the whole region.
Just like in developed countries like the U.S. or the U.K., certain neighborhoods face crime issues, but you can’t judge the safety of an entire state or region based on one area’s troubles.
In Taraba State, for example, I can walk around without worrying about carrying a weapon. Is that possible in areas like Chicago or Texas with high gun deaths?
I feel safe, and I don’t have to hide my valuables like people do in many cities worldwide. Yes, this may be because I grew up here but trust me, there's way more good than the media credits.
Compare this with some developed countries, where people can’t even wear jewelry or carry cash without concern.
The Media’s Role in the Northern "Boko-Haram Perception"
The Media often focuses on sensational stories because they drive views and clicks.
Yes, these incidents occur, but they are far from daily reality for most people living here.
Northern Nigeria is home to tens of millions living peaceful, productive lives.
If you’ve been hesitant to explore Northern Nigeria because of what you've seen in the media, I invite you to come and experience it firsthand.
From the beautiful landscapes to the rich culture, there’s so much to experience, there's so much to see.
Why Taraba State Should Be on Your "Visit" List
1. Stunning Landscapes
Taraba is home to breathtaking scenery, including forests, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls.
Take the Mambilla Plateau, for instance.
The Mambilla is known as one of the coldest places in Nigeria, it offers views you won’t find anywhere else.
2. Rich Culture
Taraba is one of Nigeria's most culturally diverse states, with a wide variety of tribes, languages, and traditions.
Here, the Fulani, Jukun, Wurkum, Mumuye, and many others live together, creating a vibrant tapestry of Nigerian life.
3. Affordable, Simple Lifestyle
Life here is affordable. For instance, a drop anywhere within Jalingo, the state capital, costs around 200 Naira.
This affordability extends to food, thanks to the state’s agricultural richness, making fresh produce accessible to all.
4. Growing Infrastructure
Contrary to what some may believe, Taraba state is developing steadily.
There’s ample land, labor, and opportunity for investors.
If you have a business idea or want to invest, Taraba offers untapped potential.
Thank you for reading! I’m Simon Zaku, founder of IBI Foundry.
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