Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s handling of insecurity, declaring that citizens are justified in seeking help beyond the country’s borders if their own government cannot protect them.
Speaking on Friday at the Plateau Unity Christmas and Praise Festival held at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar in Dwei-Du, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, the elder statesman lamented the relentless killings across the nation.
Obasanjo, visibly disturbed by the wave of violence, said Nigerians—regardless of religion, ethnicity or profession—are being slain while the government appears unable to halt the bloodshed.
He said, “We are being killed, and our government seems to be incapable of protecting us. If our government cannot do it, we have the right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do.”
Obasanjo, who recalled the security capabilities available during his administration, stressed that with today’s advanced technology and satellite systems, no criminal should be able to hide after committing a crime.
The former president said that even before leaving office, security agencies could identify and track criminals anywhere in the country, though operational limitations existed. He noted that with the availability of drone technology, the government now has the capacity to neutralize threats remotely.
“You can take them out. Why are we not doing that? Why are we negotiating? And after government has paid these criminals, government denies!” he queried.
Obasanjo urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to act decisively, insisting that the spate of killings—whether the victims are Christians, Muslims, or traditional worshippers—must come to an end.
“We are tired of being killed. The life of every Nigerian matters. It should stop,” he said.
His comments come amid growing national outrage over persistent attacks, banditry, and terrorism across several regions of the country.
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