Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu is set to convene an urgent meeting with Nigeria’s service chiefs to discuss the increasing violence and killings in Plateau, Benue, and other parts of the country, as concerns mount over the deteriorating security situation. This comes after the President’s return to Abuja from a two-week working visit to Paris and London.
The President, who arrived in the capital on Monday night aboard Air Force 001, is reportedly deeply concerned about the rising violence and has been receiving security briefings during his absence. More than 120 Nigerians have been killed by armed assailants since his departure on April 2. Numerous homes have been destroyed, and an estimated 3,000 individuals have been displaced despite ongoing military and police operations.
In Benue State, over 56 lives were lost in the Logo and Gbagir areas following brutal assaults attributed to armed herders. As part of his immediate response, Tinubu is expected to meet with key security personnel, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to review the situation and assess measures to contain the violence.
A senior government official confirmed that the meeting will also focus on other violent flashpoints, including Borno State, and discuss additional steps to improve national security. Despite the government’s security efforts, many Nigerians remain frustrated by the growing attacks and the failure to protect vulnerable communities.
In a related development, the Presidency has criticized state governors for their insufficient investment in state security efforts, despite receiving substantial security votes. Daniel Bwala, the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, claimed that many governors allocate only token sums to local security forces, such as the State Security Service, police, and military, while their security budgets run into billions of naira.
Bwala emphasized that governors must take a more proactive role in funding security agencies within their states, equipping them with the necessary resources, including surveillance tools and vehicles, to combat the increasingly sophisticated tactics of criminal elements. He warned that relying solely on federal security agencies without local engagement would not effectively address the growing insecurity.
The ongoing violence has sparked intense debate on whether citizens should be allowed to defend themselves. Former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma, has urged Nigerians to take matters into their own hands, warning that relying solely on government forces has proven ineffective. His comments have divided opinion, with some governors, including Jigawa’s Umar Namadi, rejecting the notion of self-defence, fearing it could escalate anarchy.
On the other hand, several stakeholders in Plateau and Taraba states, which have been hardest hit by attacks, are endorsing Danjuma’s call for self-defence. They argue that local communities should be empowered to protect themselves from armed invaders, citing the slow response of government forces during recent attacks.
Retired generals have suggested a more structured approach to addressing the crisis, such as establishing community policing initiatives and leveraging the experience of retired security personnel. These proposals aim to enhance local security without resorting to widespread armed self-defence.
The growing unrest in Plateau State has prompted public protests, with Christian leaders and local residents taking to the streets in Jos to demand stronger action from the government. The protests follow a series of deadly attacks in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs, which have claimed over 100 lives in the past two weeks.
Protesters, including members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, gathered at key locations in Jos, calling for decisive government intervention to end the bloodshed. The demonstrators emphasized that the protection of lives and property is not a privilege but a constitutional right.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang assured the protesters that the government is committed to investigating the ongoing attacks and taking measures to ensure the safety of residents.
As the security crisis continues to escalate, the government faces increasing pressure to act swiftly and decisively to curb the violence and restore peace across affected states.
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