TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page ………………………………………………………………………………. i
Approval page …………………………………………………………………………. ii
Certification …………………………………………………………………………… iii
Dedication ……………………………………………………………………………. iv
Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………………… v
Table of Contents ……………………………………………………………………. vi
Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………… ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study……………………………………………………….. 1
1.2 Statement of Problem …………………………………………………………. 3
1.3 Research Questions …………………………………………………………… 4
1.4 Research Goal and Objectives …………………………………………………. 4
1.5 Test of hypothesis ……………………………………………………………… 4
1.6 Significance of the Study ……………………………………………………… 4
1.7 Scope of the study …………………………………………………………….. 5
1.8 Limitation of the study ……………………………………………………… 5
1.9 Organization of the Study …………………………………………………… 6
1.10 Definition of terms ……………………………………………………………6
CHAPTER TWO: CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS, THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
AND LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………. 7
2.2 Boko Haram …………………………………………………………………10
2.3 Perception …………………………………………………………………… 12
2.4 Individual Perception of Boko Haram …..………………………………… 13
2.5 Terrorism ….………………………………………………………………… 16
2.6 Insurgency ………………………………………………………………….. 18
2.7 Ekiti State and Its people …………………………………………………… 21
2.8 Theoretical framework ……………………………………………………… 23
8
2.8.1 The Human needs/Socio-Economic perspective …………………………… 25
2.8.2 The Islamic Theocratic State Theory …………………………………………. 29
CHAPTER THREE: GENESIS, GROWTH AND THE NATURE OF BOKO-HARAM
3.1 Research Methodology ……………………………………………………… 30
3.2 Study of population ………………………………………………………… 30
3.3 Sample size …………………………………………………………………. 30
3.4 Sampling Method ………………………………………………………… 31
3.5 Sampling Techniques ……………………………………………………….. 31
3.6 Validity and Reliability of the instruments ……………………………… 31
3.7 Data Analysis …………………………………………………………….. 32
3.8 Ethical Considerations …………………………………………………… 33
3.9 Limitation of the study …………………………………………………… 34
CHAPTER FOUR: TAMING THE MONSTER: THE PERCEPTION OF EKITI
PEOPLE ON BOKO-HARAM INSURGENCY AND TERRORIST ACTIVITIES
4.1 Data Analysis and Interpretation of Data ………………………………………. 35
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION
5.1 Summary ……………………………………………………………………… 50
5.2 Conclusion …………………………………………………………………… 50
5.3 Recommendations ………………………………………………………….. 51
APPENDIX I …………………………………………………… Sample of Questionnaire
APPENDIX II ……………………………………. Sample of questionnaire for interview
BIBLIOGRAPHY …………………………………………………………………… 55
9
ABSTRACT
Book Haram is a very controversial Nigeria militant group that seeks for the imposition of
sharia law in the entire northern states of Nigeria. The hierarchical structure of the group is
not presently well defined. The official name of the group is Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna
Lidda’awatiwal-Jihad, which in Arabic translate to people „committed to the propagation of
the prophet„s teaching and jihad‟. Literally therefore the group means Association of sunnis
for the propagation of Islamic and for Holy war (jihad) and Islamized northern states of
Nigeria and probably conquer the entire country through jihad. So far, the group has been
waging the war successfully in areas of stronghold mostly in Yobe, Maiduguri, Kebbi,etc.
Boko Haram made its presence known in 2004, in Yobe states, and by 2011, it made its
presence known to the global community by bombing the United Nations Headquarters in
Abuja. In the last two years, it has willfully attacked hundreds of buildings and killed many
innocent Nigerians. In spite of the calamity that the group has caused the government and
people of Nigeria, It looks as if government is confused as to how to clip the group„s wings.
Indeed many are worried because of the state of insecurity that the infamous activities of the
group have caused. While some are of the view that government is not doing enough, others
are of the view that government effort are being sabotaged. In this research work, we
examined the perception of the people of Ekiti State on Boko haram insurgency in Nigeria.
Questionnaire with personal interviews were conducted. After the analysis of the responses,
we discovered that many people are of the opinion that Boko haram activity is a style used by
some powerful individuals in authority to take charge of the affairs of the country. Others feel
it‟s not a religious crisis. Based on these, recommendations were made that specialist on
crime affairs should train our soldiers in battling the insurgency. Also, it was recommended
that individuals involved in this crime should not be covered by the federal government since
it is obvious that they are known but are seen as the untouchable in the society.
Key words: Terrorism, Boko Haram, Perception, Insurgency.
Word count: 359
10
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The South-Western Nigeria in which Ekiti state is a part of, has received the news about the
mindless massacre going on in the Northern part of the country by the insurgent/terrorist
group called Boko-haram. This awareness would no doubt have created certain perception of
what the cause of the phenomenon, the sect called Boko-haram and the possible intuitive
understanding and insight with regards to the means of curbing the mindless killing. Before
now, it is a common knowledge that Nigeria since her return to civil rules in 1999 faces some
national security challenges across the six geo-political zones in the country (Ojukwu, 2011).
The spate of bomb blasts, kidnapping, pipeline vandalization and other forms of criminalities
in recent times in various parts of the country are emerging trends of domestic terrorism
(Slann, 1998). This view was also shared by Minister of Police Affairs, retired Navy Capt.
Caleb Olubolade, when he acknowledged that the nation now faced new security threats that
were quite different from what we used to know. “I will rather say that we are facing new
threats different from what we used to face before.”But as these threats confront us, we will
find solutions to them; it is now a period to look forward and overcome the challenges that
face us”, (NAN, 2011). In fact, the high rate of kidnappings, armed robbery and political
assassinations are added dimensions to the security challenges, which are stretching the
nation to its limits, sometimes constitute a great threat to the very fabric of its existence
(Onyema, 2010).
A number of analysts have variously attributed the disturbing trend to political
dissatisfaction, ethnic and religious differences, perceived societal neglect and pervasive
poverty among the people (Samson, 2013). According to Ojukwu, youth restiveness in the
Niger Delta area and parts of the South East occasioned kidnapping and disruption of oil
installations, activities of members of the Odua’a People‟s Congress (OPC) in the South West
and that of Boko Haram saga in the northern states; have also been worrisome since 1999
(Ojukwu, 2011).
In considering the activities of various ethnic militias that have emerged in both southern and
northern parts of the country, which have resulted in the mass trail of human and physical
destructions was mind-bogging and reprehensible to the generality of the populace. The trend
of domestic terrorism in the country especially with activities of the dreaded Islamic sect
popularly known as Boko Haram has become a major concern for both the Nigerian
11
government and the international community (Dearn, 2011). Significant stakeholders in the
country have offered suggestions on the need to check the new security challenges posed by
the dreaded Islamic sect in particular in the country. While some suggested that a holistic
approach be adopted, others called for collaboration with world leaders and international
organizations as strategies to rid the country of terrorists (Ogbogbo, 2004). Some also
suggested the need for dialogue with the sect.
Since the inception of President Goodluck Jonathan administration in Nigeria, security
challenges has become an issue in discourse hence Boko Haram. Its philosophy stands for
outright rejection of Western education, Western culture and modern science and advocates
the propagation of strict adherence to Islam in its purest form. Boko Haram represents the
vision and mission of a fundamentalist Islamic movement in Nigeria (Bagaji, 2012). The sect
known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awatiwal-Jihad (people committed to the propagation
of the prophet’s teachings and Jihad) seeks to Islamize Nigeria by whatever means at its
disposal and at whatever human cost. So far the dastardly activities of this sect have been
confined to churches, security operatives and public buildings in the Northern states and the
Federal Capital Territory but now have shifted to schools especially in Brono, Yobe and
Adamawa state of Northern Nigeria (Danjibo, 2009).
The atmosphere of insecurity currently pervading the nation is now worsened by the
allegation of complicity among high-ranking security personnel, executive cabinet which
president Good Luck Jonathan openly said BokoHaram have infiltrated his
government(Bagaji, 2012). The spate of bombing now is targeted at primary schools,
secondary schools and tertiary institutions respectively; killing and maiming students,
teachers, lecturers as well as burning school building at will which forced majority of schools
to close down in the North especially Borno, Yobe and Adamawa state respectively (Bumah,
2007).
The trend of insecurity in the country especially with activities of the dreaded Islamic sect
popularly known as Boko Haram has become a major concern for every Nigerian. Significant
stakeholders in the country have offered suggestions on the need to check the new security
challenges posed by the dreaded Islamic sect in the country. While some suggested that
amnesty be offered to the group; others called for collaboration with world leaders and
international organizations as strategies to rid the country of Boko Haram terrorists. Some
also suggested the need for strengthening of internal security to combat Boko Haram sect
12
(Adesoji, 2010). This study therefore gives a brief explanation about the terrorist sect called
Boko Haram Insurgency and also the South Western understanding about Boko Haram
Insurgency especially Ekiti State understanding the sect.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The Islamic sect, Boko Haram has waged a relentless war of attrition on Nigeria since 2009.
The sect has attacked mostly government‟s establishment, security operatives and places of
worship, market and mass media (Mark, 2012). These assaults have accounted for countless
death and injuries to Nigerian and destruction of property worth millions. Many have
expressed concern that the attack if not decisively checked could spell grave danger to
stability of the country, worsen security of lives and properties as well as freedom of speech
(Adesoji, 2013).
The notion of a “war” on terrorists or countering insurgency has somewhat been overexploited by the Nigerian state, thus reducing civil liberties as well as infringing upon
fundamental human rights issues (Mark, 2012). Majority of Nigeria westerners are Christians
and majority of Nigeria northerners are Muslims (Adigun, 2006). Again, one of Boko Haram
sect‟s major aims is to make Nigeria a Muslim country (Onyema, 2010). According to Ayo
oritsejafor, in the north, there have been high killing of Christians than Muslims and this as
impacted fear in the south western state (Ortsejafor, 2011). Some South Westerners find it
hard to interact with the Northerners due to fear , some even find it hard to talk about Boko
Haram due to them been killed overnight (Agbiboa, 2009). It is thus unlikely that Boko
Haram or any other international terrorism can be brought to an end by military means
(Bagaji, 2012), although the existence of this terrorist group has not been felt on the Southern
part of Nigeria (Bartolta, 2011).
In clear terms, the statement of problem runs thus: what is the Ekiti people‟s perception of
Boko-haram insurgency and what implication has such feelings for national peace and unity,
considering the diversity of the Nigerian society in terms of ethnicity and religion. In view of
this, this work aims to study the people‟s feelings about the insurgency as such would serve
as guide for policy makers and government hoping to curb the insurgency. In other words,
the work aims to know the perception of individuals in the south concerning Boko-haram
insurgency in the south with focus on Ekiti State.
13
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Following from the research problem, this study seeks to answer the following research
questions:
1. What factors necessitated Boko Haram‟s operation in Nigeria?
2. What are the views of people in the South western Nigeria about Boko Haram
insurgency?
3. What implications do the perceptions have on national unity?
4. How can Boko Haram operations be addressed in a country like Nigeria?
1.4 RESEARCH GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
The general objective of this study is to examine the perception of Ekiti South western part of
Nigeria about Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. The specific objectives include:
1. To know the factors that necessitated Boko Haram‟s operation.
2. To examine the perception of people in the South western Nigeria about Boko Haram
insurgency.
3. To determine the implications of such perception on national unity.
4. To investigate the challenges of national integration caused by Boko Haram
5. To suggest possible solution to the challenges of national integration caused by Boko
Haram
1.5 TEST OF HYPOTHESIS
1. H0: Boko Haram Insurgency in some selected part of Nigeria if not taken care of will
spread to all states in the country.
H1: Boko Haram Insurgency in some selected part of Nigeria if not taken care of will
spread to all states in the country.
2. H0: There are no factors that necessitated Boko Haram.
H1: There are factors that necessitated Boko Haram.
3. H0: People‟s perceptions of Boko Haram have implications on national unity
H1: People‟s perceptions of Boko Haram do not have implication on national unity.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is timely because it provides measures to tackle or avoid insurgency, which is still
an on-going challenge for Nigeria as well as other countries of the world. Similarly, this long
14
essay presents facts about the perception and implication of insurgency. Drawing from this, it
provides an opportunity for governments of all countries to invest heavily in human
development and eradicate societal vices such as poverty, illiteracy or unemployment as
measures to help avert insurgency and terrorism. Admittedly, the collective responsibility
espoused is not just for the security of Nigerians but also for the wellbeing of all humans
regardless of their respective country. So if various governments become very much aware
that the prevalence of insurgencies and terrorisms in various parts of the world is heavily
connected to governmental lapses or bad governance and work tirelessly to adopt some of the
measures suggested in this work, the scourge arising from certain perceptions to and from
insurgencies and terrorism would be immensely reduced if not curbed. In this order, this
study provides insight with the realization that people‟s perception of insurgency can go a
long way in tackling an insurgency, which is often done with brutality, only helps to
institutionalize insurgencies and take it to the level of wider terrorism. The study also brings
about a type of government formed by a group of parties‟ that bring about national unity to
tackle Boko Haram insurgency and It will also be very relevant to students who will like to
carry out more research on this work in order to have a wider knowledge on the topic.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study is restricted to the perception of the South Western on Boko Haram insurgency in
Nigeria with particular reference to Ekiti State Nigeria. Due to time factor the researcher
decides to focus on 3 local governments which include Ado-Ekiti, Ikare, Oye local
Government in Ekiti State. Moreover the study will also be looking at people suggestions on
the way Boko haram activities can be controlled.
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Due to the poor method of storing data in Nigeria, the researcher was not able to lay hands on
all data needed. Also, due to financial constraint, there was not enough capital to spend on
transportation fact findings and borrowing of necessary literature that would have helped in
the writing of this research work.
15
1.9 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
This is a structured five chapter work, such that chapter one covers general introduction
which consist of background information, Statement of problems, objectives of study,
research question, research hypothesis, significance of study and scope of study and
definition of terms, Chapter two covers the literature review and theoretical framework.
Chapter three is for research methodology; chapter four is devoted to data analysis and
presentation while Chapter five covers for summary of findings, discussion, conclusion and
recommendation.
1.10 DEFINITION OF TERMS
INSURGENCY: An insurgency is an armed rebellion against a constituted authority (for
example, an authority recognized as such by the unit Nations) when those taking part in the
rebellion are not recognized as belligerents. Marriam Webster dictionary defined insurgency
as a usual violent attempt to take control of a government: a rebellion or uprising.
PERCEPTION: According to Bayton, perception is the organization, identification, and
interpretation of information in order to represent and understand the ones opinion on a
matter and is gotten from a latin word known as „percipio‟.
BOKO HARAM: is sect known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awatiwal-Jihad (people
committed to the propagation of the prophet’s teachings and Jihad) seeks to Islamize Nigeria
by whatever means at its disposal and at whatever human cost. So far the dastardly activities
of this sect have been confined to churches, security operatives and public buildings in the
Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory but now have shifted to schools especially
in Brono, Yobe and Adamawa state of Northern Nigeria (Danjibo, 2009).
NATIONAL INTEGRATION: Is the awareness of a common identity amongst the citizens
of a country. It means that though we belong to different castes, religions and regions and
speaking different language we recognize the fact that we are all one. This kind of integration
is very important in the building of a strong and prosperous nation (James, 2009)
DISCLAIMER: All project works, files and documents posted on this website, eProjectTopics.com are the property/copyright of their respective owners. They are for research reference/guidance purposes only and some of the works may be crowd-sourced. Please don’t submit someone’s work as your own to avoid plagiarism and its consequences. Use it as a reference/citation/guidance purpose only and not copy the work word for word (verbatim). The paper should be used as a guide or framework for your own paper. The contents of this paper should be able to help you in generating new ideas and thoughts for your own study. eProjectTopics.com is a repository of research works where works are uploaded for research guidance. Our aim of providing this work is to help you eradicate the stress of going from one school library to another in search of research materials. This is a legal service because all tertiary institutions permit their students to read previous works, projects, books, articles, journals or papers while developing their own works. This is where the need for literature review comes in. “What a good artist understands is that nothing comes from nowhere. The paid subscription on eProjectTopics.com is a means by which the website is maintained to support Open Education. If you see your work posted here by any means, and you want it to be removed/credited, please contact us with the web address link to the work. We will reply to and honour every request. Please notice it may take up to 24 – 48 hours to process your request.
