Sinister ideology must be defeated

Extremism is a threat to the futures of our young people and to our security, writes Tony Blair.

THE abduction of more than 240 Nigerian girls has shocked the world. But, unfortunately, their case is not an isolated one in Nigeria. Indeed, Nigeria’s torment is shared by many African countries, and the motivation derives from an ideology that is global.

That ideology is based on a warped and false view of religion. Of course, the hideous and crazed words of the leader of Boko Haram, the group that kidnapped the girls, are representative of the most extreme fringe. But, until we clean the soil in which this poisonous plant takes root, it will continue to blight the life chances of millions of young people around the world — and jeopardise our security.