The Tragic Irony of Northern Nigeria: Why Must the North Always Bear the Burden? -By Haruna Yusuf Abba

Northern Nigeria stands as a region of vast potential, rich history, and immense resources, yet it remains inexplicably trapped in a cycle of calamity, disaster, and stagnation. For decades, the north has been a glaring symbol of poverty, illiteracy, and economic backwardness. From Boko Haram’s devastation to the rise of banditry, and now the alarming emergence of groups like “Lakurawa,” the north has become synonymous with suffering and violence. The painful question must be asked: Why always the north? Why does this region—once a symbol of grandeur—continue to be a sacrifice in the name of political gain, extremism, and neglect?

Northern Leadership: A Legacy of Betrayal.

At the heart of this tragedy lies a harsh truth: Northern Nigeria’s leadership is responsible. Time and again, the region’s leaders have chosen political power over the welfare of the people. They have failed to build the infrastructure, strengthen the economy, or provide the education necessary for the region’s survival. Instead, they have sacrificed their own people for short-term political advantage, often at the cost of the north’s future.

It’s a brutal irony: Northern leaders have held the levers of power in Nigeria for much of the country’s post-independence history, but in return, the region has seen little to no meaningful development. What has political power brought to the north? The answer, tragically, is almost nothing of value to the common man. Instead of using political leverage to secure prosperity for the masses, they have allowed poverty, violence, and ignorance to fester, all while hoarding wealth and influence for themselves.

Extremism: A Product of Failure and Complicity.

The rise of Boko Haram, banditry, and now extremist factions like “Lakurawa” (representing a new, terrifying wave of insurgency) has been the direct result of decades of leadership failure. These groups thrive not just in the absence of state power, but in an environment where political elites ignore the cries of their people, turning a blind eye to their suffering and fueling a culture of extremism for political convenience.

For too long, northern leaders have played a dangerous game of political manipulation, either turning a blind eye to the suffering of their people or actively fostering the conditions that breed extremism for selfish interests, in exchange for political and economic power. This cannot be excused. How can anyone explain that millions of innocent lives are sacrificed on the altar of political advantage? That the bloodshed, displacement, and destruction that plague the north are not just unfortunate accidents but the tragic consequences of the selfishness and shortsightedness of those in power?

The North’s Tragic Sacrifice.

What is it about northern leadership that so often chooses to sacrifice its own people? From Boko Haram’s reign of terror to the rise of bandits who have made life unbearable for rural communities, to the latest iteration of violent insurgency, the region’s people bear the brunt of political decisions made far from their suffering. And for what? For a fleeting sense of power? For the interests of a select few? It is an unforgivable tragedy.

Why, year after year, must the north be the playground for extremist ideologies? Why must the north always bear the cost of these violent ideologies that only serve the selfish ambitions of those who pretend to represent the region? It is time to ask: When will northern leadership prioritize its people over political games? When will they step up and build a future for their region?

The Price of Inaction: Fear the Day of Reckoning.

Northern leaders, know this: This life is vanity upon vanity. All that you hoard and accumulate will eventually be left behind. Power, wealth, and influence are fleeting. What remains is the legacy you leave. And how will you be remembered? Will history look upon you as men who sacrificed the lives of millions for selfish political gain, or as the leaders who failed to protect their people in the face of dire consequences?

The day of reckoning is coming. You cannot escape the truth of your failures forever. The people will remember. The suffering of millions will echo through the annals of history, and whether good or bad, you will be judged by the choices you made in your time of power.

Enough is Enough.

This cannot continue. The people of the north have suffered enough. It is time for a radical change. A change that redefines what leadership means in the north and in Nigeria as a whole. Political power must no longer be used as a tool for personal gain, but as a means to build a better future for all. Northern Nigeria deserves leaders who will prioritize education, health, security, and opportunity. It deserves a government that sees its people as partners in the journey toward progress—not as expendable pawns in a game of political chess.

No region in Nigeria is dispensable. The north is not a sacrificial lamb, nor should it ever be. Every citizen of this great nation is a stakeholder in its future. Every region, every person, every community has a role to play. The north cannot afford to be left behind any longer.

A Call to Northern Leaders: Be the Change.

To the northern leaders who have watched the region bleed and failed to act—now is the time for accountability. This life is fleeting. No amount of political power or wealth will endure beyond the grave. What will matter is the legacy you leave behind. Will you be remembered as men who served the interests of the few, or as leaders who stood with their people, worked for their advancement, and brought about real change?

The north has the potential to rise above its current state. But this will only happen when its leaders choose to serve the people, not their personal interests. The people of the north are resilient, intelligent, and full of potential. Give them the opportunities they deserve, and they will build a future that benefits all of Nigeria.

Northern Nigeria’s future does not have to be one of despair. But it will take bold, selfless leadership to bring about the change this region—and indeed, this nation—so desperately needs. The clock is ticking. The time to act is now.

May Nigeria and Nigerians, from north to south,west and east , rise together to build the country we all deserve.

Haruna Yusuf Abba.
Writes from Jos.