There is no word that can convey the degree of pain felt by the heart for the unfortunate incident of November 10, 2014. Typically, it draws a concern that is beyond the present situation of things in our dear country; it is one that threatens even our much awaited future. Be it the highs or the lows, it calls for a sober reflection.

It is pertinent for every Nigerian to imagine how it feels to lose a loved one or even a fellow human in such a tragic circumstance. Perhaps, a thought of how it will feel to be the lost one will make us all realize that the chain of humanity binds stronger than that of political party, ethnic group, religion or gender.

The 47 Nigerian school boys whose promising beginning was turned to a sudden end should not be seen as Northerners, they are Nigerians. They are beyond students, their existence breathes possibility even in the midst of uncertainties. They are our brothers, children and friends. We should not wait until an occurrence seizes our hand during meal or when it threatens our source of life before we understand that the fight against terrorism is one that we must win. Each day, it draws closer somewhere and we must be aware that joining hands to fight it by every means within the ambiance of the law is a sacrifice we must make.

Each time this happens, we lose a rebirth of Awolowo we all clamour for. Each time the existence of a common man is threatened, a replica of Azikwe is threatened. Each time ill fate befalls any man, we should know our silence on it may mean a silence on the hindrance to the growth of a sage like Ahmadu Bello. This concern calls beyond religion or region. It is a threat to our collective dreams and that of generations unborn.

It is saddening that the time we are is trying but we shall overcome it. My heartfelt sympathy to my brothers and their immediate families that suffered the consequence of this tragic moment. As humans and Nigerians, we are members of one family and this indeed hit us at the heart. Our Mosque dissociates itself from bloodshed on the ground of religion because it is not ordained by Allah and our Church too condemns such brutality as it has no place to hide in the Christian doctrine.

May God console your family and our nation.

More grease to this sympathetic elbow.