Bombing in Nigeria By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photo: Getty Images, Inc.
On Friday, August 26th, the United Nations compound in the Nigerian capital of Abuja was the target of a fatal bombing. A car filled with explosives crashed into the United Nations building. Eighteen people were killed and possibly over 60 people were badly injured.
This city is all too familiar with these deadly incidents. An Islamic extremist group known as Boko Haram (sometimes referred to as “Nigerian Taliban”) has taken responsibility. The group is religious in nature with their sole purpose being to establish a Sharia state in Northern Nigeria. They also take accountability for assassinating some of the influential Muslim politicians in Northern Nigeria. Boko Haram seems to be gaining power with a more operational strategy in the last couple of years. They are strictly opposed to Western education and culture.
Nigerian security had retaliated previously by destroying the Boko Haram camp and arresting the leader, Mohammed Yusuf, who later died in police custody. This most likely fueled the group’s anger and opposition towards the government.
There are social factors playing a key role in the whole situation as well. Economically deprived youth are the perfect focus for this terrorist group who are looking to gain a ready army.
This radical behavior is most likely something that al Qaeda takes interest in. Al Qaeda has a North African branch and there is the possibility that they have infiltrated Nigeria. There may be some communication between the two groups. It is a dangerous combination; the organizational efficiency of al Qaeda and the local experience and recruiting dexterity of Boko Haram.
International terrorism is a concern and the Nigerian government is vulnerable and helpless in their response to anti-terrorism. This makes them a desirable target. United States President Barack Obama expressed support for the efforts of the United Nations and condemned the bombing as “horrific and cowardly”.
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