By Halima Abdulazeez
The recent horrors in Benue State are a case of blood in the baskets, when relatives could not recognise their blood as they were burnt beyond recognition. Nigeria is not isolated from the global carnage engulfing our shared humanity. The gruesome loss of lives, the senseless violence, and the brazen disregard for human dignity all echo conflicts raging across the globe, from Ukraine to Palestine, Yemen, Sudan to Iran and beyond. As we mourn the fallen and grapple with the implications of these atrocities, a profound question should reverberate through our collective consciousness: Are we devolving into beasts, driven by primal instincts rather than reason and compassion?
“Man is the harshest animal,” Friedrich Nietzsche once declared, a chilling assessment that seems increasingly related in our turbulent times. The atrocities we witness daily, the calculated bombings, the indiscriminate killings, the systematic displacement of communities. paint a grim picture of humanity descending into barbarism. We are not animals, yet our actions often portray a disturbing descent into animalistic behaviour, driven by greed, power, and an insatiable thirst for domination.
Life is sacred, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or creed. Whether the victim is a Nigerian farmer slain in Benue State or a child caught in the crossfire in Gaza, each loss diminishes us all. As Albert Schweitzer eloquently stated, “Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying the earth.” The ease with which we inflict suffering on one another suggests a dangerous erosion of empathy and a growing indifference to the sanctity of human life. This indifference is better observed on social media, where bloggers’ support are based on religious faction and political affiliation.
Those who revel in the misfortune of others, blinded by tribalism, nationalism, or ideological fervour, should heed the warning: “No one is leaving here alive.” Death, the great equalizer, awaits us all. To celebrate the suffering of others is to invite the same fate upon ourselves. Today it is them, tomorrow it could be you. In a world as interconnected as ours, no one is truly immune to the consequences of violence and instability elsewhere.
Tragically, behind the scenes, “war merchants” are pulling the strings, orchestrating conflicts from boardroom cum war rooms, deciding where the next drone strike will fall.
These architects of destruction, driven by profit and power, treat human lives as expendable pawns in their geopolitical games. Their actions are driven by the corrosive influence of greed and the moral bankruptcy of those who prioritise personal gain over the well-being of humanity.
Even more alarming is the ignorant arrogance with which many take sides, seemingly oblivious to the devastating toll these conflicts exact on the world. The cycle of violence perpetuates itself, fueled by misinformation, propaganda, and a dangerous lack of critical thinking.
We must resist the temptation to blindly support one side against another, and instead, demand accountability from all parties involved and advocate for peaceful resolutions that prioritize human lives above all else.
The influence of “Big Brother,” the superpowers that exploit their dominance to bully weaker nations, is particularly concerning. Their actions set a dangerous precedent, teaching the world that “might makes right” and that international law can be disregarded with impunity. We must resist aggression and champion diplomacy, cooperation, and respect for international norms.
As Martin Luther King Jr. warned, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” The path forward requires a fundamental shift in consciousness, a rejection of violence, and a renewed commitment to our shared humanity. We must hold our leaders accountable by bringing the ragtag militias and their paymasters to face justice, demand an end to the arms trade, and work tirelessly to promote peace and justice in our communities and across the globe.
©Halima Abdulazeez
She is a poet and the author of the poetry collection “Soul Rants: A Journey from Within.” She is the Communication Officer at the Caprecon Foundation and the Treasurer of PEN International, Nigerian Center, and she resides in Lagos.
Contact: +234-8034816865 (mailto:umuhfaisal@gmail.com)
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, Bright said assures the public of the Command’s commitment to tackling crimes and other related vices. Members of the public are therefore urged to partner with the Police by providing useful, timely and credible information to the Police. The Command can be reached through the following control room dedicated phone numbers:
08036684974
08114895600
08025666914 
