The recent attack on the SuperSport TV crew along the Ihiala-Orlu Road in Anambra State has sparked outrage across the nation. Two crew members and a policeman were killed in a violent ambush while en route to Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, to cover the Nigeria Libya Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. This tragic incident has drawn strong condemnation from various quarters, with a former British diplomat, Mr. David Roberts, weighing in on the matter.
David Roberts, a former director of the British Council in Nigeria, described the attack as a random act of criminality rather than an act of terrorism. In a statement released on Monday, Roberts expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized that while the incident was tragic, it should not be confused with terrorism.
Roberts pointed out that while Nigeria struggles with criminal elements, this particular incident did not bear the hallmarks of an organized terrorist group or separatist movement, as some have suggested. He highlighted the importance of distinguishing between random acts of violence by armed criminals and acts of terrorism, which often have political or ideological motives.
The former diplomat’s remarks were in response to comments made by Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who referred to the perpetrators as non state actors. Obi condemned the killings on his X handle, lamenting the actions of these actors who have continued to terrorize innocent citizens across Nigeria.
Obi’s use of the term non state actors sparked controversy. Roberts explained that such language, especially when used by a high profile figure like Obi, could mislead the international community into viewing the attack as terrorism. This, according to Roberts, could further damage Nigeria's international image and affect its rankings in indices like the Global Terrorism Index.
Roberts cautioned that language matters when describing incidents like these, especially in a global context. Labeling the attack as terrorism could unnecessarily stigmatize Nigeria, painting the country as more dangerous than it already appears on the global stage. While Nigeria grapples with security challenges, Roberts stressed that this particular incident was likely a robbery or kidnapping gone wrong a scenario that, unfortunately, happens worldwide.
The tragic ambush of the SuperSport crew in Anambra underscores the security challenges Nigeria continues to face. However, it’s crucial for public figures and commentators to accurately describe such events to avoid further damaging the nation’s reputation. As investigations into the attack continue, Roberts' call for careful language highlights the broader need for responsible discourse, especially when international perceptions of Nigeria are at stake.