An Islamic sect called Boko Haram which means "Western education is sin" the group behind the latest violence in some parts of Northern Nigeria believe that western education corrupts the ideas, belief and values of the Islamic religion, consequently they stand to defend it. Most members of this group are said to be school drop outs and those educated, destroy their degree certificates as a symbol of solidarity to their belief.
The violence started in Bauchi and later escalated to other neighbouring states like Borno, Adamawa, Kano and Katsina.
This group has been in existence for sometime; they are notorious for kidnapping, raping, intimidation and molestation, they take laws into their hands as the authourity failed to challenge them. Ironically, despite their belief, according to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi, Moses Anegbode " they forbid anything western yet their leader had an array of western materials in his possession such as phone, Jeep cars”. Continuing he wondered if they were made by him”
Once again women are at the receiving end of this violence as they become the widows of the dead victims of the violence/clash between the sect and the police have the onerous burden to provide for the family. Given that the sect members are mostly young men, widows they left behind would obviously be young given also the prevalence of early marriage in that region. The situation has the potential of constraining these women to go into prostitution or be lured into trafficking for the promise of better life else where, which in reality does not exist. Other women whose spouses are casualties and suffered either permanent or temporary disabilities will have to bear the burden of care giving and also providing for other needs of the family.
