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For over a decade now, Nigeria has been a killing field, the blood-chilling activities of terrorists, radical Islamic groups, armed Fulani terrorists, alias bandits, armed separatist terror groups, ritualists, armed robbers, etc., have all combined to make the country a killing field. A few months to the 2027 elections, there are disturbing signs that some of the above-named groups and heavily armed political thugs will embark on a killing spree to achieve a predetermined end. The ominous signs are there. And this is a wakeup call to our security agencies, especially the military and the police, which are constitutionally charged with handling external and internal security of the country, respectively. The recent violent attacks in Binnari community, in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, where over 60 innocent citizens were comfirmed killed, and in Gero community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, where over 10 innocent citizens were also killed, as well as in Benue State, where violent attacks were carried out by bandits, point to the doom to come, if urgent security measures are not put in place.
Each time the country is drawing towards campaign and election, the atmosphere becomes charged, presenting an atmosphere of violence often parented by ethno-religious bigotry, hate speech and political thuggery. The Taraba, Jos and Benue attacks were perpetrated by blood-thirsty terrorists who claim to be fighting a religious war but political and security analysts think otherwise. They opine that the attacks were aimed at frustrating President Bola Tinubu’s government and, ultimately, his re-election.Recently, the President directed the Service Chiefs to end terrorism across the country and rescue all kidnapped victims in the custody of bandits and terrorists. However, while Nigerians are expecting the directives to be carried out to the letter, some disturbing distractions are being witnessed.For example, policemen that ought to be sent to rural areas and the hinterland of the country to protect defenceless communities are now being drafted to cities to protect political billboards of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), from being vandalised. Meanwhile, reports across states indicate that only the billboards of the APC are being allowed, while stringent measures are deployed to prevent opposition parties from mounting theirs.
Just as politics is said to be local, security is also local. Had state police been in place all these years, some of these attacks would have been nipped in the bud. Personnel of the various state police forces, with their mastery of the local terrain of their various states, would have smoked out the terrorists from their hiding places and liquidated them, thus preventing the attacks we are witnessing now on communities. According to a recent survey carried out by Afrobarometer in Nigeria, people’s concern about crime and insecurity continue to rise, as a growing number of people rank it as the most pressing problem the government should address. A majority of citizens report feeling unsafe and describe Nigeria as an unsafe place to live in. Most consider abductions a “very serious” problem. Most also distrust the police and give the government a failing grade in fighting crime. The survey cited as examples the deadly attack on an Abuja-Kaduna train in which 61 people were kidnapped for ransom, an attack on President Muhammadu Buhari’s convoy in his home state, killings and kidnappings of religious worshipers and clergy. According to the Afrobarometer survey, in all, terrorists killed more than 2,600 civilians in 2021, and violence of all kinds intensified in 2022.
As Nigeria progresses towards the 2027 elections, it is important for security agencies to be on red alert to checkmate every political abuse, hate speech, actions that could trigger violence and insecurity. These traits are capable of derialing campaign processes and also creating political disputes that could lead to violence. The political tension in the land is becoming very palpable and security agencies are expected to be extremely very alert. Those who run foul of the law should not be spared because of their political affiliations. The statement made by Sainna Buba (Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development), who warned political opponents that “whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers,” and “who dared to show a finger again would have it broken” is one of those incendiary campaign rhetorics from the APC, which security agencies seemed to have suddenly become impotent and powerless in investigating. Also, Senator Francis Fadahunsi (representing Osun East) had publicly told APC supporters in (Yoruba language), in the runup to the August 15 Osun State gubernatorial election, to seek out and kill opposition party (Accord Party) members they encountered. Jarrett Tenebe (APC State chairman in Edo) equally threatened the use of AK-47 rifles against opposition members ahead of the 2027 elections. Kuje, FCT, council chairman, while addressing his party, APC members, had warned that anyone who refused to vote for the APC should pack out of the council. Reckless rhetorics are usually the cause of electoral dispute and rigging that eventually cause political violence.
Nigeria needs a peaceful atmosphere for campaigns and elections and I urge politicians and their followers to bridle their tongues this campaign season.
Security hints:
As we head towards the 2027 elections, Security File urges its numerous readers to contribute their quota by reaching out to the underlisted security contacts, whenever they notice activities capable of affecting the smooth conduct of the elections.
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If you notice your neighbour, friend or relation illegally possessing firearms or being involved in narcotics peddling or any activity likely to undermine the election process, please report to:
1. POLICE: 07031179186
2. NDLEA: 080010203040
3. DSS-09153391309
4. Nigerian Army 193
5. Civil defence 09132232323.
Have a crime- free week.
