Prominent political and religious leaders across Nigeria have strongly condemned the rising tide of insecurity that has led to the deaths of hundreds of Nigerians in recent weeks. Their criticisms follow brutal militia attacks in Plateau and Benue States, where over 200 lives have been lost in just two weeks.
Among the voices of dissent are former Defence Minister, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma (retd), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Catholic leaders including Archbishop Matthew Kukah and CBCN President Rev. Lucius Ugorji, as well as influential figures like Pastor Tunde Bakare and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC). They are all urging President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to end the bloodshed.
Danjuma Calls for Self-Defense Amid Rising Killings
In a poignant call to Nigerians, General Danjuma reiterated his earlier warning from five years ago, urging citizens to defend themselves as the government appears incapable of providing adequate security. Speaking at a public event in Takum, Taraba State, the retired general emphasized that relying solely on the government for protection was no longer feasible.
“We cannot continue to sit and watch while bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs massacre our people unchecked,” Danjuma stated. He stressed that it was time for communities to take proactive measures to protect their lives and property.
Atiku Criticizes Tinubu’s Absence During Crisis
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also took aim at President Tinubu, accusing him of being indifferent to the nation’s security crisis. Atiku criticized the president for remaining abroad as insecurity ravaged Nigeria, drawing comparisons to global leaders who cut short foreign trips to address national emergencies.
“Atiku condemned the Tinubu administration as ‘utterly incapable’ of addressing the security situation, stating that the president’s absence during national trauma was a disturbing display of neglect,” the former VP added.
Kukah and Ugorji Speak Out Against Violence
Archbishop Matthew Kukah, in his Easter message, lamented the growing insecurity, describing Nigeria as a nation “under siege.” He appealed to President Tinubu to act swiftly to end the bloodshed and suffering, emphasizing that the country was nearing a breaking point. Kukah also criticized the government’s handling of food security and its approach to addressing Nigerians’ suffering, particularly in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal.
CBCN President, Rev. Lucius Ugorji, echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to demonstrate political will in addressing the rising criminality and providing protection for citizens. He warned that the nation could not continue living under the shadow of such violence.
Bakare and IPAC Call for Security Overhaul
Pastor Tunde Bakare, serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, warned of the growing frustration among Nigerians who no longer trust the government’s ability to guarantee their security. He called for a redesign of the country’s security architecture, advocating for the establishment of zonal security councils to provide more localized responses to crime.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) joined the chorus of demands, calling on the federal government to act urgently to address the rising violence across the country. They stressed that a secure environment was essential for the country’s development and that immediate action was required to restore peace and stability.
Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads
As insecurity continues to spiral, Nigerian leaders are growing increasingly vocal in their calls for a swift response from the government. From military officials to religious leaders and political figures, the message is clear: Nigeria’s security crisis must be tackled with urgency before the country descends into further chaos. The nation’s leaders are urging President Tinubu to prioritize the safety of Nigerians and take decisive steps to end the violence that has left thousands in fear for their lives.
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