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From begging to banditry: Revolt of the almajiris, by Dele Sobowale
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

From begging to banditry: Revolt of the almajiris, by Dele Sobowale

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • A "revolution" is occurring in Nigeria's northern states, driven by the "almajiri" population, traditionally beggars.
  • The article frames this as a revolt of the downtrodden against the privileged elite.
  • It suggests a shift from passive begging to more active, potentially disruptive, behavior.

A significant societal shift, described as a "revolution," is unfolding in Nigeria's northern states, driven by the "almajiri" population. These individuals, traditionally known for begging, are reportedly moving towards "banditry," signaling a dramatic change in their circumstances and behavior.

The author, Dele Sobowale, quotes Johann Goethe: “No revolution is the fault of the people but the fault of the government.” This framing suggests that the current unrest stems from systemic issues and governmental failures rather than inherent characteristics of the almajiri.

The article posits that the downtrodden, comprising 99.9 percent of the population, have grown tired of their subservient role. The traditional deference, expressed through phrases like “rankadede” (a sign of respect to superiors), is being replaced by a growing discontent and a move towards more active, possibly confrontational, means of survival and protest.

No revolution is the fault of the people but the fault of the government

— Johann GoetheQuoted by the author to frame the current unrest in Nigeria's northern states as a consequence of governmental actions or inactions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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