A City Of Graves; Gaza And Israel, A Mirror For Nigeria -By Reuben Alhamdu Avong

The stories hitting the headlines of our dailies are not the once pleasing to the ears or even inviting to the eyes, the stories are nothing different or may be even worse than the era of the stone age when the society was in the state of total anarchy and strength was might. One won’t be considered to be overstating when asserting that humans are now beast and beast are now humans. The global web has been stained with blood of innocent citizens, both of Israelis and Palestinians.
In the last couple of days, both in Israel and Gaza, homes, places of worship, Market Places and more have been turned into abattoirs not for rams but for human slaughter, tears have been served as water not to quench thirst, but to fuel the anger of vengeance. Many citizens are now refuges in a desert of hunger and uncertainty occupied with the climax of timidity.

Residential settlement now devoid of residence but of graves. People have been buried without identity, others just left for the eagles and vultures to feast on.

Many world leaders have in the passing days condemned this act of inhumanity carried out by both countries which is quite commendable but even so, others have come out not to condemn but to pledge allegiance to their allies in the business of mass destruction, fueling the already disastrous situation Instead of seeking a remedy and sorting a solution that will probably give birth to peace, understanding and peaceful co-existence among both revelries.

The situation between Gaza and Israel must have claim thousands in a very short period of time, but then the Nigerian situation defiantly have claimed the life of millions in continuous succession over the years and this have not stooped and it doesn’t look like it will in the nearest future. This places Israel, Gaza and Nigeria on the same scale when measuring brutality, inhumanity and unnecessary bloodshed.

The conflict between Israel and Gaza has garnered significant attention globally due to its far-reaching implications, including its impact on countries like the African giant. The recent outbreak of violence in the region has triggered a series of deliberations and discussions among Nigerian citizens, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations. It all over the social media as many young people have one or two comments concerning the matter at hand.

One crucial aspect of the Israel-Gaza conflict is its potential to exacerbate existing tensions in Nigeria, a country known for its diverse religious and ethnic composition. Nigeria is home to a significant Muslim population, and their bond with the Palestinian cause resonates deeply. As news and images of the conflict spread across social and traditional media, it triggers a strong emotional response among Nigerian Muslims and leading to heightened solidarity with the people of Gaza.

This solidarity often translates into widespread protests across major Nigerian cities, where citizens voice their concerns and show support for the Palestinians. These demonstrations, sometimes accompanied by chants and symbolic gestures, highlight the growing influence of the Israel-Gaza conflict on the local Nigerian population.

Furthermore, the conflict also has the potential to strain Nigerian-Israeli relations. Nigeria, like many other countries, has economic and diplomatic ties with Israel. However, the escalation of violence and the loss of civilian lives in Gaza can strain these relationships, leading to public outcry and demands for Nigerian
In addition to the societal and diplomatic impact, the Israel-Gaza conflict can have economic implications for Nigeria. Nigeria heavily relies on oil imports, and any disruption in the global oil market caused by the conflict can directly affect the Nigerian economy. Price fluctuations, market uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions can all contribute to an unstable energy sector in Nigeria, impacting the government’s ability to provide essential services and dampening economic growth.

It is important to note that while Nigeria may not be directly involved in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the international nature of the conflict and Nigeria’s complex social fabric make it impossible for the country to remain unaffected. The conflict stirs emotions, triggers protests, strains diplomatic ties, and has the potential to impact the Nigerian economy.

As the situation in Israel and Gaza remains dynamic, it is crucial for Nigerian authorities to diplomatically navigate through these challenges, strike a balance between public sentiment and international relations, and ensure that Nigeria’s interests and stability are safeguarded amidst the ongoing conflict.

Obama once said that the challenges affecting us are similar and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

From a concerned citizen of Nigeria

Reuben Alhamdu Avong (avongreuben448@gmail.com)