THE Federal Government is baffled that despite the warped nature of Boko Haram's ideology, the group is still able to recruit followers.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who expressed this concern in Abuja, on Tuesday, revealed that the Federal Government would therefore set up a crisis communication centre that would provide information countering violent extremist ideology, especially in the North-East.
He was speaking when he received the the United States Special Envoy on Counter Terrorism Communication, Rashad Hussain, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“For some strange reasons, something that appears so completely mindless and almost insane gains currency in a way that gets regular recruits,” he said, wondering “why the completely mindless ideology gains the kind of currency that it gains.”
He said it was critical to define and disseminate positive narratives that exposed the evil of terrorism, expressing confidence on the ultimate victory of good over evil.
Osinbajo said it would have been understandable if the campaign of the terrorists preached better life, equity and such other lofty ideas, noting that when the narratives of the insurgents had no such hope, it was intriguing that the message gained any currency.
Although he noted that there had been those who were lured into participating in terrorist acts for money, he pointed out that “I have seen people who are well-to-do being recruited into terrorism."
He disclosed that government would put up a campaign involving civil societies, young people and Non-Governmental Organisations coming together and interacting to provide positive counter narratives against those of violent groups like Boko Haram.
Tribune.
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