Every day, according to news reports, it seems as though more and more youths are going missing.
It is high time that the authorities got to the bottom of this.
After the July 1 attack at Holey Artisan Bakery, questions still remain as to what led to seemingly normal young men to be so radicalised and conduct such a horrendous massacre.
And if the pattern of missing youths continues, it is only a matter of time before we might see a repeat of the tragedy that befell us no more than five months ago.
Not only do the authorities need to figure this out, they need to do so fast. This alarming trend must be properly investigated, and answers must be provided to the questions raised.
What exactly is going on here? What is convincing so many young men to tread the path of militancy?
And how many exactly have gone missing?
We need answers.
It is also imperative that we figure out a way to bring our boys back.
There must be a long-term plan in place which tackles these questions: How many are missing and how do we bring them back?
But this, too, is not enough.
We cannot afford to continue to lose young men with bright futures to the path of violence.
A holistic approach to the current security situation of the nation is required. Only then can the government confidently fight the war against terrorism and establish peace and safety in the country.