WSJ Report: What's Buhari hiding?

President Muhammadu Buhari has claimed technical defeat of Boko-Haram prior to re-election.

News on the alleged secret burial of not less than a thousand soldiers fighting terrorism in the northeast, came as a shock to many especially when it's coming from a foreign media.

Earlier this week, US based Wall Street Journal (WSJ), claimed in a report published on July 31, that a secret graveyard at Maimalari in Maiduguri, holds bodies of over a thousand slained soldiers.



The report also claims bodies of the slained soldiers were "laid by flashlight into trenches dug by infantrymen or local villagers paid a few dollars per shift."

The disturbing report by WSJ was expectedly refuted by the Nigerian Army saying there's no such thing as Secret Graveyard. But that's if you believe the Nigerian Army can be trusted to admit something as disturbing as this.


Irrespective of who you choose to believe, the fact that Nigerian media outlets are in the dark on claims as grievous as this, is itself appalling. Could it be the fear of being attack by the Buhari administration who seem uncomfortable and would go all out against media houses who criticize its government? Like the Daar Communication's treatment?

It's not like Nigerians aren't aware at least, according to previous reports, that the Nigerian Army has been suffering defeat and recording huge casualties in the hands of the terrorists group. There has been reports of Boko-Haram taking over barracks, laying ambush, and have our gallant soldiers on the run on several occasions. Yet, the Buhari administration keeps claiming victory over the Insurgents.



News like these definitely does not come as a surprise. A government which insists on claiming victory against realities on ground would conceal anything. But for how long?

It's sad that Nigerians would have to rely on a foreign media to know what's going on in their own backyard. But that's exactly where we are right now where local journalists and bloggers are been threatened, arrested and harassed. Speaking up against the Buhari administration on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter is another way of publicly saying "come and get me." It's really that bad.



The challenges facing the current government keeps piling up on a daily basis. The masses are losing patience and confidence in Buhari's ability to get the country working again. News like this only further deteriorates any little trust and confidence the populace may have left for this administration.

The least Nigerians want is a thorough probe into this claim by WSJ. Simply denying won't win over Nigerians whose confidence in the current government is already at an all time low.



Nigerian troops deserve better. Their families deserve better. And the country must give them the honor they truly deserve for their services to the nation.