Iliyasu S. Yahaya
Abuja, Nigeria
Igala land has weathered storms. The Jukun wars tested our mettle, the echoes of Benin’s battles lingered and the Civil War raged. Yet, none have cut as deep, none have claimed as many young lives as politics.
The painful truth is that, 90% of deaths among our youths were birthed in the arena of political rivalry.
From the fiery clash of Audu and Ibro, to the bitter contest between Wada and Echocho, and the fainter but no less painful divisions between Igala supporters of Bello and Musa Wada (Igala agenda), our land has bled.
The last election was a moment that could have healed old wounds but instead, it further ignited another phase of strife between followers of Muri and those who chose differently. A sign that we, especially our youths, have not learned.
One may be tempted to wonders why the cycle repeats but the simple answer is that; our Igala political leaders are wicked. They fuel the fire, instigating youths against each other while pretending blindness to the chaos.
Take the recent war of words between the supporters of Muri and those Idris HK. None of the two leaders has stepped forward to call their followers to order. They sit behind screens, directing armies of online youths to defend every whisper and attack every critique.
As an elder who witnessed it all from Audu to Ibro, Wada to Echocho, Bello to Wada and even the last election, I urge our youths to shed their swords. 2027 will be a different game in Kogi. Proceed with caution.
Among QS Aminu, Muri Ajaka, Idrisima, Echocho and others yet to come, none are without edges, none without setbacks. Choose your path, support with passion, but do not make war of it. Attack no other supporter. This too will pass.
It is time for us to break the cycle of violence in physical and online for the sake of Igala land and for the future of our youths. Let wisdom lead.
