GOVERNING INSECURITY IN VOICELESS VICTIM-COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA.

Abstract

Nigeria’s insecurity is alarming and uncontrollable. Terror unleashed on ungoverned spaces and vulnerable individuals, groups and communities by syndicates of terror perpetrating killings and kidnaps, and gun running, are investigated. Security agencies, both military and paramilitary all fail to stop this terror. Examine are conspiracy theories surrounding governments commitments and body languages towards terror activities and members of these terror groups. Terrorism and governance were examined from the perspectives that Boko Haram, Bandits, and Fulani Herdsmen and kidnappers’ groups are establishments, competing with government for legitimacy and control of ungoverned communities. Terrorist arrogated power and authority over victimisedcommunity people as a result of Governments’ adopted strategy of denial, refusal to name terror groups terrorists also is a factor for weak military action against terror. Negotiating and payments of ransoms further emboldens terrorism. Investigating governance, security and insecurity, reveals relationship between legitimacy, authority and power. Review of terrorism also revealed that government also engage in terrorism and force like terrorists. Citizens and terrorists experience this Military hostility in line of duty forces and stringent laws. Government’s failed social contract to secure citizens demeans their constitutional legitimacy, in ungoverned communities captured by terror groups. It is concluded therefore that both government and terror groups are engaged in governance of insecurity, both seek legitimacy and provide security for their subjects. Further research on terrorism was recommended to study governance and insecurity to uncover theoretical and practical virtues for effective prevention of terrorism in Nigeria and beyond.