Boko Haram and Rising Developmental Crises in Nigeria: Overview and Sociological Implications

Abstract

From evolutionism to the theoretical concept of postmodernity, human socio-economic development has been a much welcomed phenomenon. Among the developing nations, such as Nigeria, development in all aspects has been a consistent aspiration, as it is believed to have the power to free the nation from much-dreaded domination by advanced nations. Much as it is needed in Nigeria, development of the nation since independence from Britain has been beset by socio-political and human-induced hitches. Among other things, Boko Haram has, for over a decade, launched a sustained attack on the system from all corners. Although the challenges posed by Boko Haram to Nigerian socio- economic and political development have been viewed by many scholars from the angle of a clash of interests, this article focuses on the sociological implications and developmental crisis accompanying the Boko Haram onslaught in Nigeria. The study utilises abstractions from Karl Marx's dialectical materialism as its theoretical gauge. The study utilises socio-historical information from Nigeria and the Middle East, and some non-material social facts from these regions, to explain and point to the underlying potentials of Boko Haram in Nigeria. In the process, the article unveils the emerging developmental problems in Nigeria and beyond. It recommends ensuring the neutrality of Islamic teachings to avoid ideological influencing, building nationality consciousness among the youth in the north-east region of Nigeria to neutralise the overwhelming influence of religion on the youth, and building internal security involving the indigenous people of the neighbouring regions.