„’EAT THE HEART OF THE INFIDEL’: THE HARROWING OF NIGERIA AND THE RISE OF BOKO HARAM“

Abstract

Boko Haram's appetite for violence and kidnapping women has thrust them to the top of the global news agenda. In a few years, they have all but severed parts of Nigeria, Africa's most populous state and largest economy, from the hands of the government. When they speak the world sees a grimacing ranting demagogue who taunts viewers claiming he will 'eat the heart of the infidel' and calling on Nigerians to reject their corrupt democracy and return to a 'pure' form of Islam. Thousands have been slaughtered in their campaign of purification which has evolved through a bloody civil war. Civilians are trapped between the militants and the military and feel preyed upon by both. This book offers a history of Boko Haram's cultural and religious hinterland in northern Nigeria. Preface : the strange tale of John Henry Dorogu -- If you can't beat them, shun them -- Disputed territory -- Modes of dealing -- Heart rot -- Big potato on top -- Stomach infrastructure -- Eating the cords of society -- The rest of us are just hawking peanuts -- Kill zones -- Strange cartography -- Off with the rat's head.