It is commendable that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has assured Nigerians of federal government’s determination to defeat terrorists, bandits and other shades of criminal elements killing citizens and sacking communities all over the country.
Ribadu made the comments in Makurdi, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathy to the people of Benue State over the series of killings in the state by suspected herdsmen. He declared government’s resolve to bring an end to insecurity in the country, saying, “the president has directed me to reaffirm his determination to eliminate insecurity.” The assurance by the NSA came on the heels of the killing of over 72 persons in Ukum and Logo local government areas of Benue State. Even after the pledge, on Tuesday, April 22, suspected armed herders, attacked Afia community in Ukum, killing 11 residents, forcing Governor Hyacinth Alia to describe the situation in his domain as pathetic.
Elsewhere in Plateau State, over 51 people were killed and dozens injured in Bassa Local Government Area in a renewed violence that rocked the state lately. The latest assault which came barely two weeks after an earlier attack in which 52 residents were killed in Bokkos local government area in the state, adds to the recurring wave of violence in the state. In the Bokkos attacks, 383 houses were burnt and 1,800 citizens, displaced. In exasperation, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, described the killings as genocidal and sponsored.
From Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum raised the alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the state, stressing that the upsurge in attacks are indications that the government is losing ground to the terrorist group. He listed the recent dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa local government area, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, Izge in Gwoza local government area, and related killings of innocent civilians and security agencies, as evidences of the enormity of the challenge by the terrorists. Leading traditional ruler, Shehu of Borno, corroborated the observations by the governor, adding that about three local government areas of Guzamala, Marte, Abbadam and some parts of Mobbar are under the total control of Boko Haram. In Niger State, the rising spate of insecurity, forced Governor Mohammed Bago to impose a curfew on the capital city of Minna.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded an end to the killings in various parts of the country, urging law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with the perpetrators. Former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.) has in a note of disappointment urged Nigerians to defend themselves against bandits and terrorists, warning that relying solely on the government for protection is no longer realistic. Danjuma who made the remarks in Takum, Taraba State, recalled his warning on the matter five years ago, which he said, remains relevant amid the growing wave of insecurity across the country.
The security situation in the country has become troubling and worrisome. The last three weeks have been horrendous for Nigerians in terms of insecurity. Terrorists have been on the prowl, turning the country to a killing field. It is assuring that Ribadu has promised to deal with the matter squarely. The Federal Government has what it takes to tackle insecurity. Government should stop the bloodletting in Plateau, Benue, Borno and other parts of the country. The nationality of the killers should not matter. The period of treating the criminals with kid gloves is over.
The battle should be taken to the door steps of the terrorists and insurgents. This is the time to deploy technology to smoke out the killers. More kinetic measures should be unleashed on them. The promise by the NSA is timely and appropriate. Nigerians should take him by his words. He needs to walk the talk. In same vein, the recent meeting by President Bola Tinubu with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Service Chiefs is encouraging. The latest meeting should not be business as usual. Let targets be set for the Service Chiefs with time lines.
Tackling the scourge of insecurity in the country is a task that must be accomplished. The narrative of terrorists having the upper hand must change. Let the sponsors of terrorism, banditry and insurgency be identified, fished out and dealt with. Security of life and property of the citizens remains the primary function of the government. The federal government should not abdicate this responsibility.