Mali and Nigeria: The new 'Afghanistan of West Africa'?

This is indeed a sad day for me. And it should be for other Nigerians as well. But I am still not ashamed to call myself a Nigerian and a northerner. Boko Haram fighters trained in Mali. One of 8 suspects caught in Mali a Nigerian.I will like to use use this opportunity to say this is not the time for tribalism or time to be judgmental. I think it is safe to say and agree that Boko Haram members aren't just Muslims or Northerners. We have seen them on TV on so many occasions and read incidents where non Muslims and non northerners try to do silly things. It's a mix of all religions and tribes. People need to stop acting like sheep's who do not have a mind of their own and stop with allegations of the north and extreme Islamists. I mean they are killing other Muslims, kids and adults out north. So how is that a " Northern thing" Boko Haram has got to go! This is the time Nigerians need to come together and put aside their differences of religion and tribes even if its for a while and look for ways to eliminate these criminals and cheap thugs who fancy themselves as terrorists. Terrorists always have an agenda but they don't which makes them plain criminals. They are neither freedom fighters. Who are they fighting for? Definitely not for other Muslims in Nigeria. Muslims who they have slayed and burned mercilessly. Yes, this is far from religion. As I suggested earlier put aside your pro separation for Nigeria. Put aside whatever problems you have with other religions and tribes. Put aside whatever angers you and keep an open mind. The next attack might injure or take away lives of people you love. And maybe you as well. Safety and love above anything. Do you think uprooting Boko Haram in Mali will halt Boko Haram members in Nigeria? Do you think it is political? Politicians and those who have the power to pull such string playing a sick game on Nigerians.