Averting Another Bodija Blast And Other Security Issues Through Re-Engineered ‘See Something, Say Something’ Mantra

I commiserate with those who lost their loved ones during the blast that rocked Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria and pray that the Almighty God grants the families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss

This heartbreaking events in Ibadan, where lives and property were senselessly lost, stand as a stark reminder of the power and peril of the “See Something, Say Something” mantra. While this call to vigilance is laced with good intentions, its true effectiveness hinges on a complex interplay of factors, each of which, when neglected, can lead to devastating consequences.

The entire nation needs to learn from this unfortunate incident and realise that when we notice any suspicious activity within our vicinity we need to speak out to avert devastating consequences like what happened on 15th January 2023 in Ibadan. The adequate security available in the developed nations and some African countries are hinged on the ability of citizens to take responsibility; the citizens of these nations have the knack for reporting suspicious or illegal acts to law enforcement agents to prevent them from snowballing into a full-blown security threat.

It is unfortunate that when people witness suspicious activities or behaviours, rather than reporting to the appropriate authorities, they prefer to go about their normal businesses. When people see a security threat brewing, the fail to recognise its dangerous implications, develop apathetic attitude or sense of normalcy and therefore remain silent.

Nonetheless, it must be acknowledged that the official information channel which serves as an interface between the security agencies and citizens are not effective. Hence, the security agencies are deprived of the opportunity of gathering credible information from the public to nip security issues in the bud. More so, previous experience have shown that even when where there is adequate means of giving security information to security agencies, citizens, community leaders and other stakeholders don’t trust the security agencies for the fear of reprisals and collusion with suspected criminals; bureaucratic hurdles also discourage individuals from coming forward with information.

Where authorities are equipped to receive, investigate, and act upon information from the public, are they also equipped with the resources, training, and procedures to effectively respond to potential threats? Whenever and wherever complaints about an impending security issue is reported, are these complaints acted upon with urgency and due diligence?

Moving Beyond Slogans: The Web Of Factors Weakened In Ibadan

The Ibadan incident serves as a powerful wake-up call for the entire nation. It forces us to confront the reality that simply noticing suspicious activity isn’t enough. Speaking out requires both individual courage and robust societal structures that support and encourage such action. In this regard, the tragedy exposes weaknesses in several key areas; To address the above challenges a deeper reflection is needed.
How deeply ingrained is the “See Something, Say Something” culture within the community? Do trust and cooperation between citizens and authorities exist? Are there underlying social, economic, or political factors that create environments where violence and instability thrive?

Identifying The Underlying Issues Affecting The “See Something, Say Something” Mantra”

Security issues don’t occur in a vacuum, they occur as result of the failure and deficiencies in the system. Despite the power of the “See something, say something” mantra, its effectiveness can be hampered by these underlying issues;

• Recognition and Interpretation: Individuals may lack the awareness to recognize potentially dangerous situations or misinterpret them as non-threatening. Fear, apathy, or a sense of normalcy can also mute their observations.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Official channels like security agencies or community leaders might lack effective mechanisms to gather and analyze information from the public. Even existing channels may not be readily accessible or trusted by the community.
• Fear and Distrust: Individuals may hesitate to report due to fear of reprisal, lack of trust in authorities, or cumbersome bureaucratic procedures.
• Authority Capacity: Even if information is reported, authorities might not be equipped to handle it effectively. This could encompass resource limitations, inadequate training, or a lack of proper investigative procedures.
• Action and Diligence: Even when information reaches authorities, timely and appropriate action might not be taken, potentially exacerbating the situation.

A Deeper Reflection: Building a Foundation for Effective Vigilance.

Addressing These Challenges Demands A Profound Reflection On A Collective Level

A society is a typical example of a system which all elements must work together for effectiveness. In a case where a particular section of the society fails in its responsibility, the effectiveness of the society is likely to be in jeopardy. To address the underlying issues related to the Ibadan explosion, the pertinent questions below requires meaningful answers and actions;

• Cultural Integration: How deeply ingrained is the “See Something, Say Something” culture within the community? Do trust and cooperation between citizens and authorities exist?
• Addressing Underlying Issues: Are there socio-economic or political factors that foster environments conducive to violence and instability? These need to be tackled to create a safer society.
• The Ibadan tragedy transcends its specific details, exposing vulnerabilities that permeate our society. To truly empower the “See Something, Say Something” principle, we must move beyond mere slogans and focus on strengthening critical elements:
• Empowering Communities: Communities need to be equipped to observe, report, and trust. This involves fostering awareness, providing proper training, and building bridges with authorities.
• Equipping Authorities: Authorities must be equipped to listen, analyze, and act swiftly upon information received from the public. This requires adequate resources, proper training, and clear procedures for effective response.
• Building a Just and Secured Society: Ultimately, we need societies built on the foundations of justice, security, and shared responsibility. In such a society, silence in the face of potential harm is never an option.
• The government should also move beyond ordinary media trials of individuals or groups who undermine the security of the nation. The popular slogan, “we will ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice” should be followed by appropriate action that will eventually lead to justice. The pains of those who lost their loved ones in the Ibadan tragedy can be assuaged if those found culpable of any foul play relating to the blast are “truly” brought to justice. This will serve as a deterrence, forestall similar occurrences and strengthen the mantra of “See something, say something” as citizens will be encouraged to come forward with information if they are sure that their information will be adequately processed and acted upon.

The Ibadan tragedy, though a specific event, exposes broader societal vulnerabilities. To truly make “See Something, Say Something” meaningful, we must go beyond mere slogans and address the systemic issues that can impede its effectiveness. We need communities empowered to observe, report, and trust. We need authorities equipped to listen, analyze, and act. And most importantly, we need societies built on principles of justice, security, and shared responsibility, where silence in the face of potential harm is never an option. Only then can the echoes of “See Something, Say Something” resonate with true power, transforming from a passive slogan into a proactive shield against tragedy. Let the memory of Ibadan be a catalyst for change, urging us to build a world where “seeing” becomes action, “saying” becomes impact, and “something” becomes a united front against the forces of darkness.

Let the memory of Ibadan serve as a catalyst for change. By addressing the systemic weaknesses and building a strong foundation of trust and action, we can ensure that “seeing” leads to effective “saying,” transforming “something” into a united front against the forces of darkness. Only then can the echoes of “See Something, Say Something” resonate with true power, becoming a proactive shield against future tragedies.

Written by Barr. Rotimi Ogunwuyi