THE PARADIGM OF TERRORISTS’OPERATIONS IN TARABA STATE, THE PROMISSORY NOTE OF THE LAW, THE FAILURE OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE ROLE OF RELIGION

Abstract

Hitherto, terrorists in Taraba State have engaged in the nefarious act of bombing of facilities, leading to the loss of many lives and destruction of property. However, in recent times, terrorism, has assumed a paradigm shift that found expression in banditry and kidnapping. These have affected the people in no small measure; threatening their lives and means of livelihood. This study was an attempt to understand the situation in view to proffering solutions. The study found out that Fiscal terrorism occasioned by theft of the national treasury by government agents, coupled with other factors such as the Ambazonia struggle for Independence in the Anglophone Cameroon, clemency over Chieftaincy rights in places such as Takum, Sardauna and Karim Lamido Local Government Areas, the exploration of Rose wood, the displacement of Boko Haram and ISWAP in northeast Nigeria, gave impetus to terrorist influx in Taraba State. These terrorists operated mostly through high-profile kidnapping and banditry. These have affected Taraba State in areas such as education, agriculture and tourism. To make matters worse, the Laws on the fight against terrorism and terrorist financinghave been ineffective, hence, demonstrating the failure of Government. The study recommended that Christian, Islamic and Traditional leaders should form a caucus through their various recognized groups, in order to pressure the government to enact effective legislation, checkmate corruption, equip the security agencies, so as to be effective in the fight against terrorism. These religious leaders, through their institutions, should also inculcate moral values to their adherents, which will go a long way in strengthening social solidarity for corporate existence and development.