The heat becomes excessive and the scotching sun unbearable. March to May and possibly June are the months of unfriendliness as the sun bares its fangs, emitting hotness and dryness to the utter discomfort of all, including the animals. In this period, you are medically warned to take excess water and remain safe while all abode or habitat must be well ventilated. Otherwise, you risk death or become a victim of meningitis.
This period is dreaded in terms of hostility of the weather to human habitation in this part of the desert-prone zone. I mean, Borno State. I remember a colleague who came to Maiduguri on relief duty this time some years back and who voiced out at the point of departure, “I have seen hell and if the heavenly hell is hotter than this, then I better don’t see or experience it”.
However, to continue to prolong the insurgency war for whatever reason or reasons has serious implications for the nation, the military, the government and even the international community
However hostile as this period is, in terms of unbearable heat and associated heat-induced diseases or afflictions, it is an indicator or sign that the rain would soon be around and a warning to all, that what should be done before the downpour must be done. For example, it is this time the people, the farmers and cattle rearers stockpile assorted farm products for both human and animal consumption for the rainy day. And when the rain comes in full force, possibly in late July or early August, it brings blessing as well as curses.
The farmers will have enough water for their seeds or plants to grow. Adequate rainfall that is well spread is a pointer to good harvest and favourable income to farmers and cheap foodstuffs to the consumers. Especially, in this desert zone, lack of rainfall is an indication of impending famine or drought with resultant devastating effects on the people, socially and economically.
On the other hand, the rainfall period might be a catastrophe depending on the circumstance or peculiar situation. Excessive rain could result in flooding, worsen erosion and even destroy crops, habitation, infrastructure, and retard or slow down some development projects and actions.
It is the effect on the impending rainfall in Borno State on the Nigerian military efforts to tame Boko Haram insurgents that inform this piece.
Before the shout of Jack Robinson, my mind now suddenly flashed back to that timely and noble advice given to the military by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State few months back in Maiduguri, while commending the men in uniform in their relentless battle against Boko Haram. The advice centered on making hay while the sun shines. He told the ‘boys’ that they had done well but cautioned that the rain would soon be around and that there was need for them to finish up quickly, to avoid obstacle to their successful movement in the war affected areas, especially at this critical stage of the battle.
There are facts to show that the progressive military action against the insurgents were on some occasions slowed down owing to the downpour, to the advantage of the terrorists operating in a terrain vastly known and adaptable to them. The rainy season affords the insurgents the opportunity to regroup in the forest and mountains only to come out randomly to strike the solders at various locations. To the military, this is a bad period as its heavy equipment cannot move on the flooded, marshy and muddy areas. Thus some areas hitherto liberated by the soldiers come again under attack or outright seizure. This, no doubt, accounts for one of the reasons the insurgency is yet to go away, especially in the hinterland.
Thus, between now to possibly late July, the tide in the war zone tilts in favour of the military. This is an opportunity to strike the iron while it is still hot. However, after this period, the rain sets in and what follows appears “siddon look”, until the sky is clear for further military push.
However, to continue to prolong the insurgency war for whatever reason or reasons has serious implications for the nation, the military, the government and even the international community. It is on record that the participation of the Nigerian troops in various international engagements, especially on conflict zones brought laurels and recognition to the Nigerian military in particular and the nation in general. The fighting spirit and bravery of the Nigerian soldiers were acknowledged worldwide. The question now is: where is the acclaimed Nigerian soldier of yesteryears, where the spirit de corps that once united the Nigerian army as a formidable striking force, a united and impregnable unit in the semblance of Olumo Rock of Abeokuta in Ogun State resided?
So now, there is much to be done before the rains arrive.
*Izekor, a journalist and public affairs analyst, is Member, Board of Advisers of The Point.
