Sara-Suka Menace in Jos, and our 'I don't care attitude'

Usman Muhammad Salihu

The Sara-Suka menace in Jos, Nigeria, is a significant problem that has persisted for many years. Sara-Suka is a term used to describe a gang of young men who roam streets armed with machetes, knives, and other dangerous weapons. These gangs are notorious for their violent attacks on innocent people, including robbery, assault, and even murder. Despite the severity of their actions, the community members, parents, and some unpatriotic security personnel have shown an "I don't care" attitude towards the menace.

The origins of the Sara-Suka gangs in Jos can be traced back to the early 2000s when the town experienced a period of religious and ethnic violence. Many people were then affected by the violence including young men. Over time, some youths evolved into criminal organizations that engage in various forms of criminal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion.

Despite the fact that the Sara-Suka gangs are well-known to their parents and  community which they resides and in most cases carried out their nefarious acts, there seems to be a general "I don't care" attitude towards the menace. Many community members have become accustomed to the presence of the gangs and have learned to live with them. The parents of these thugs on the other hand, are more concerned with the welfare of their own children and have little interest in what goes on outside of their homes.

In some cases, unpatriotic security personnel, including the police and other security agencies, have also shown a lack of interest in dealing with the Sara-Suka gangs. The police, in particular, are often allegedly accused of corruption and incompetence, which has made it difficult for them to effectively combat the gangs. As a result, many residents of Jos have lost faith in the ability of the police to protect them from the menace.

The consequences of the "I don't care" attitude towards the Sara-Suka gangs are devastating. The gangs continue to terrorize innocent people, causing widespread fear and insecurity. Many people have been injured and killed (Including the recent killing of an innocent youth by name Abba in anguwan Keke) as a result of their attacks, while others have lost their properties such as bags, phones laptops among others. The economic activities of the city have also been affected as businesses are forced to close down as early as possible due to the menace of thuggery.

To address the Sara-Suka menace, there is a need for a multi-faceted approach that involves the community, parents, and security agencies. The community needs to take a stand against the gangs and work with the security agencies to identify and apprehend the members of the gangs. Parents also have a crucial role to play in ensuring that their children do not join the gangs.

Security agencies, particularly the police, need to be reformed and made more accountable to the community. This includes improving their training, providing them with better equipment, and ensuring that they are adequately compensated for their work. The government also needs to provide more resources to the security agencies to enable them to effectively combat the gangs.

In conclusion, the Sara-Suka menace not in Jos alone, but the nation at large, is a significant problem that requires urgent attention. The "I don't care" attitude of the community members, parents, and security agencies towards the menace is not helping the situation. There is a need for a collaborative effort to address the problem and restore peace and security to the city.

 Usman Muhammad Salihu,

Mass Communication department, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi.

muhammadu5363@gmail.com