When the chips are down, democracy may be visualized as either an illusion or a delusion. The resultant outcome becomes the masses then taking laws into their hands to hasten development according to their interpretation which culminates in a chaotic government. This was vividly orchestrated within the week ended July 9, 2021, as Yoruba Nation’s Rally again brought to the fore the dangers of protesting against deprivation and hunger in democratically elected government, as the use of live ammunition to quell protests trended as a stray bullet allegedly killed a 14-year old drink seller. Gas explosions and other Environmental hazards also came to the limelight with reports of daily explosions and tanker accidents emphasizing that plying Nigerian roads has become akin to mortgaging one’s lifespan, even as bandits reiterate the impact of poverty in their demand of foodstuff-in-exchange for abductees.

INESCAPABLE REPERCUSSIONS OF POVERTY

A Senior Secondary Student of the Federal Government College, Anka dared the consequences, allegedly disguised as bandits’ leader, to demand N3million from the principal in Zamfara. On the surface, the incident looked like a teenage adventure; hence, it will probably be handled with a kids glove.

The security operatives will be celebrated for a good start in arresting the perpetrator through his confession, for which he will pay the price. However, the implication of this act was ignored. The underlying message herein conveyed in this singular act by a teenage adolescent student is a situation where one weighs the consequences of death through a down-and-out condition meted on him by the harsh economic realities or the implications of being caught as a bandit and have to choose between the lesser of two evils. Did I say two evils?

No. It is a choice between the evil of dying wretched or the glory of being celebrated with accolades in grand style among dignitaries as a bandit. Because in his following the trend of events, he has discovered that priority and VIP attention is given to bandits than ever any scholar (student) or famished citizen may ever receive within the Country.

He opted for this seemingly visible risky means of surviving by renouncing freedom which does not bring food to the table to take on the identity of a bandit, where free money is guaranteed at the flip of the fingers.

He chooses to identify with banditry because while aspersions are cast on the innocence, the diligent and hardworking are haunted; bandits walk freely in the entourage, enjoying the privileged attention of choosing any fringe benefit of choice either from the Central Bank of Nigeria or from The Government.

The student has deciphered that studying hard as the future leaders of tomorrow have remained an illusion in his Country. Those with education remain slaves and subordinates to those without education. He dared the consequences, demanded N3million to convey the salient message that these bandits are known members of our community living with and among us; hence, curtailing the impact of terrorism and banditry is feasible and doable if only there is the intention to do so. In essence, this student should not be made a scapegoat, as he is merely orchestrating and conveying a message; hence, he should be accorded the privilege and rights thus far accorded to other bandits if the government is not ready to exterminate banditry from the grassroots.

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