2 weeks Ago By Joy Anigbogu
Nigerians no longer sleep with their eyes closed. In fact, the citizens now cry every day because they are either mourning the death of loved ones or the loss of their homes and means of livelihood. These lamentations must not be ignored by those in leadership.
The various protests across the country mustn’t be disregarded as usual. In 19 days of the President’s absence from the country on visits to France and the United Kingdom, over 150 citizens have lost their lives to insecurity. President Tinubu must urgently address the insecurity which is threatening the very foundation of peace in the country.
Analysts are of the view that President Bola Tinubu must understand that the major reason he’s occupying the position of leadership is to protect the lives and welfare of the citizens, using the resources of the country which he has been entrusted with. They noted that the government has the responsibility to ensure that Nigerians feel safe in their fatherland, pointing out that the constitution has also made it clear that the government must provide security and ensure the welfare of the citizens. “Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 declares that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
In this declaration, the security and welfare of the people are conjunctively presented as a sole purpose.” A lot of Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Peter Obi, Gen. T.
Y. Danjuma (rtd), Pastor Tunde Bakare, former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and a host of others across political and ethnic divides have criticised the upsurge in insecurity and the recent killings in Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Zamfara and other states across the country.
Concerned about the killings in Plateau State, Plateau Christian leaders, under the umbrella of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Easter Monday, led thousands of believers across various denominations in a peaceful protest to Government House Jos, against the continued killing of innocent villagers in Plateau State. Dressed in black to symbolize mourning and solidarity with the victims, the protesters were led by the Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr.
Polycarp Lubo, alongside other prominent religious leaders including the President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo; the Plateau State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Pastor Dunga Gomwalk; and the President of the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, Rev.
Gideon Para-Mallam. The demonstrators commenced their march from Fwawevl Junction and proceeded towards the Plateau State Government House at Little Rayfield, Jos, where they formally expressed their displeasure over the persistent attacks on communities across the state. The procession, which was at Government House Rayfield Jos, was received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang who assured them that his Government was on top of the situation.
He promised that those sponsoring terrorism in Plateau would soon be arrested and brought to justice. Again, Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in the country under the aegis of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures have condemned what it described as a renewed wave of attacks and killings in different parts of the country. The Conference, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Rt.
Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin on Monday lamented that the recent gruesome acts have led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians. He said the group is alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which the attacks are met.
Noting that the time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; the Speaker said urgent and coordinated action is required at all levels of government to end the bloodbaths and restore peace and order. He said, although the issue of defense and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal government, every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. He urged state governors, in particular, to rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions.
He challenged state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models. While expressing displeasure at the killings, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency and wondered when President Bola Tinubu will declare a state of emergency in his own disastrous presidency. Atiku in a statement on Wednesday said, “On April 2, 2025, President Bola Tinubu flew out to France.
Had this absurd announcement come just a day earlier, Nigerians would have dismissed it as an April Fool’s joke. “But sadly, it’s no prank — just another insult to a nation pushed to the brink by a presidency that treats its citizens like fools. “The official excuse? A so-called “working visit.
” But Nigerians aren’t buying the spin. “The presidency scrambled to clarify that it wasn’t a medical trip — how noble. But even if it’s not medical tourism, what justification is there for gallivanting across Europe while Nigeria bleeds? What kind of leader borrows billions only to blow scarce funds on vanity trips abroad? It’s not just irresponsible— it’s contemptuous.
“Let the facts speak for themselves. By the time Tinubu struts back from this latest escapade, he will have racked up a staggering 59 days in France since assuming office. “See Paris and die?” No — see Paris and abandon your country.
“While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. “Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks. Benue is bleeding.
Boko Haram is seizing territory. And every single day, Nigerians sink deeper into poverty, insecurity, and despair. “This isn’t just negligence.
It’s dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale. “If Tinubu had even a shred of empathy, he would cut his trip short and return immediately. “A leader with an ounce of patriotism wouldn’t need to be begged to show up in times of crisis.
” Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to suspend his trip in France and return home to address pressing national issues, especially the insecurity pervading the country. The former Anambra State governor wrote through his X, formerly Twitter handle, on Wednesday, stressing that the president cannot be resting peacefully in Paris while Nigeria burns.
He wrote, “I’m compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating president’s attention to the security challenges at home, which entails that he immediately suspends his ongoing retreat in a foreign land, and returns home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country. “This urgent call has become necessary following the rising incidents of crimes and criminalities all over Nigeria with an apparent absence of governance. “In the 2 weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Zamfara states.
“The repeated pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta further reflect a nation in distress. “In the North East, Borno State leaders are bemoaning the return of insurgency with troops and civilians being killed randomly. “In the South East, the story is the same: killings and abduction.
“Amid all these, the CEO of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating in faraway land in France from the company’s headquarters. “The primary duty of any government is securing the lives and property of its citizens and one wonders the type of retreat going on in another country where peace has been secured by their leaders while blood continues to flow in our country. “The fight for a better Nigeria is not about individuals; it’s about ensuring that every citizen can see, feel, and benefit from the policies and decisions of those in power.
“I, therefore, like to urge Mr. President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues,” Obi added. On its part, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed outrage over what it described as “relentless and barbaric killings” taking place in Plateau State, noting that it’s a damning indictment of the Federal Government’s failure to discharge its primary duty of protecting lives and property.
A statement on Wednesday issued by Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, Spokesperson, Northern Elders Forum, further described the incessant killings in the state, as a “national disgrace.” According to Jiddere, “What was once a symbol of unity, peace, and cultural diversity in Nigeria has now become a theatre of bloodshed and lawlessness. “The magnitude of violence being inflicted on innocent citizens is nothing short of a national disgrace, and a damning indictment of the Federal Government’s failure to discharge its primary duty protecting lives and property.
“It’s unacceptable that such acts of mass murder and destruction continue unabated, with little to no meaningful response from those charged with safeguarding the nation. “The silence and inaction of the Federal Government can no longer be tolerated. “NEF demands the immediate and massive deployment of well equipped security forces to Plateau State to halt these atrocities and restore order.
” The Northern Elders Forum said the government must not only apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators but must do so swiftly and decisively. “The blood of innocent Nigerians cries out for justice, and there must be no sanctuary for those who orchestrate or enable these horrors,” the NEF said. The Forum further called on the government to provide compensation to the victims and affected communities in Plateau State, while calling for the setting up of an independent investigative panel to unravel the cause of the bloodshed, with a view to preventing further loss of lives and property.
Criticising the current government for failing to provide leadership, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, on Sunday charged President Bola Tinubu to stop “playing God”. Bakare said Tinubu’s administration is veering Nigeria off its course. In his state of the nation address at his church in Lagos, Bakare suggested that Tinubu should adopt a more humble approach to governance.
Stressing that he doesn’t want Tinubu to fail, Bakare said the president must “stop playing God”. “The current administration is steering the polity adrift, it is time for this government to embrace humility,” he added. Bakare also accused the current Nigerian leadership of attempting to turn the country into a mafia state.
He said, “It’s clear that our so-called leaders are determined to turn Nigeria into a Mafia state. The two main contenders in the ongoing institutional immorality are the executive and the legislature. “It’s often said that these two arms of government suffered the worst forms of arrest and development because they were the direct victims of the era.
“But after 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, one must ask how much longer before our institutions finally mature. “While it’s not in dispute that our institutions and constitution are inadequate, it has become obvious that our biggest problems in this nation are the occupiers of these institutions and executors of the constitution. Also, a former presidential candidate, Dr.
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the recent wave of violence in Plateau, Benue, and Ondo States, describing the continued killings as a tragic indictment of Nigeria’s deteriorating security architecture. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hashim questioned the Federal Government’s ability to halt the carnage, while calling for urgent and comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s security system. “How many more innocent lives must be lost before real and lasting solutions are implemented? When will this bloodletting stop?” he asked.
Hashim criticised the Federal Government for failing to exercise adequate control over the nation’s security situation, while at the same time resisting calls to devolve critical security responsibilities to state and local governments. According to him, the centralized nature of Nigeria’s security structure has become overstretched and ineffective, unable to respond swiftly to threats, especially at the grassroots level. He also identified poor collaboration with neighboring countries as a key factor fueling insecurity, citing the unchecked flow of arms and movement of bandits across porous borders.
Maj Gen Rogers Nicholas, former Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, who was also once Plateau State commander of “Operation Safe Haven, expressed deep concern over the resurgence of killings on the Plateau and across Nigeria, saying that the killings can be abated if the right technology and intelligence are deployed. In a recent interview on Arise TV, he shared his thoughts on the recent violence in Plateau State and other parts of the country. He stated, “No Nigerian should be happy with the current situation.
The level of violence and killings in Plateau State and in other parts of the country is troubling. I truly wish this were not the case. “You’re well aware that I served in the North East for many years as Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole.
“We achieved significant successes. I was subsequently moved to command Operation Safe Haven, where we also performed well. “I believe that a major reason why these attacks and killings have not significantly abated is the lack of continuity.
“Successors should build upon the successes of their predecessors. “Frankly, it’s frustrating to see how people in government and even the media categorise these killers. “Some label them bandits, others terrorists, herdsmen, and so forth.
These criminals are terrorists. That is what they are! That is how they should be called, and that is precisely how the government should designate them. “When dealing with terrorists, you don’t afford them any respite.
You actively pursue them and maintain relentless pressure. You consistently stay ahead of them. You don’t allow them to breathe or regroup.
This is what is currently lacking. “Another significant challenge is the insufficient number of boots on the ground. Military personnel are actively deployed across various states, resulting in them being stretched thin.
I wish there were adequate troop numbers, particularly in Plateau State. “Every Commander should be empowered to devise their own effective operational plan. This is precisely what I did as the Commander of Operation Safe Haven.
while suggesting solution to the fight against insurgency, Dr. Isuwa Dogo, the Publicity Secretary of Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has said that former president Goodluck Jonathan, ex-president Mohammad Buhari and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai can provide useful information that can assist in tackling insecurity in the country. Dogo, who spoke with Daily Independent noted that the three leaders have at various times taken actions and also made statements that suggest they can assist security personnel to identify those behind insecurity in the country.
He said, “Jonathan said it in the media, that they know those who are hosting it. His national security advisor said so. Why can’t Jonathan tell the government who those people were or are at that time, and if they’re still in government or wherever they might be, to get them? “During Buhari’s time, it was alleged that Boko Haram people who claimed that they have repented, were not only given money, but many of them were put in the armed forces, army, police, air force, etcetera.
Should that have happened? The answer is no. “First, hold Jonathan and Buhari responsible. Why didn’t Jonathan tell Nigerians who those people were? Hold Buhari to tell why they absorbed those people into the armed forces.
Go to the armed forces, identify them wherever they are, whatever rank, and remove them and prosecute them. There’s no issue of forgiveness. Somebody has killed millions of people, and you say you have forgiven him?” He added, “So, also former Governor Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna State should also be called upon to give useful information about these terrorists, because he mentioned that he was interacting with them some time ago when he was Governor.
He can volunteer useful information that can help to address this rising insecurity. “ While sharing his thoughts on possible solutions on Arise TV on Monday, Lawrence Alabi, a former FCT Police Commissioner urged Nigerians to play a part in securing themselves. He said, “From empirical evidence, people are so relaxed, people are so docile.
The criminals place surveillance on communities and carry out criminality.” He said that citizens shouldn’t just fold their hands and allow the criminals to have a field day. He agreed with TY Danjuma’s call for self defence, stressing that the retired general as an experienced elder statesman is only restating the position that citizens should take charge of their safety.
“T.Y Danjuma is very experienced, one of the most respected military Generals we have in the country. He is only telling Nigerians that we cannot fold our hands and watch.
We need to protect ourselves. We need to take care of ourselves. The constitution provides that the primary aim of governance is the security and welfare of the people.
The constitution also says that every citizen has the responsibility to assist in ensuring law and order. Are we going to allow ourselves to be murdered and killed by criminals? We should organize ourselves to ensure that we’re safe and protected. I think Danjuma’s call is to ensure that we should orgainise ourselves and not leave everything to the government.
All citizens have the constitutional responsibility to assist security agencies. How then do we assist the security agencies as citizens? This is the time for us to organise ourselves.”.
