As violent attacks by armed militias and bandits continue to wreak havoc across Plateau and Benue states, killing over 200 people in a fortnight, a wave of condemnation has swept across Nigeria’s political, religious, and civic landscape. Prominent national figures and influential groups have decried the escalating insecurity and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act decisively to halt the bloodshed and restore peace.
Danjuma to Nigerians: Protect Yourselves, Government Has Failed
Retired Defence Minister, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma, reignited his earlier warning to citizens to take responsibility for their personal safety, citing government’s inability to stem the tide of killings.
Speaking during a community engagement in Takum, Taraba State, Danjuma reaffirmed his 2019 stance that Nigerians can no longer depend solely on the state for protection. “The situation is dire. Our people are being slaughtered by terrorists and bandits, and the government has proven incapable of protecting us. We must defend ourselves,” he asserted.
Atiku: Tinubu Governs in Absentia as Nigeria Bleeds
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar launched a blistering critique of President Tinubu, accusing him of apathy and absentee leadership amid the nation’s worsening insecurity. In a strongly worded statement, Atiku lamented the President’s prolonged overseas stay while citizens perish at home.
“At a time of national crisis, responsible leaders return home. Tinubu’s silence and absence suggest a disturbing indifference to the suffering of Nigerians,” he said, referencing past examples of global leaders who demonstrated leadership by prioritizing domestic emergencies over foreign engagements.
Kukah to Tinubu: Nigerians Are Bleeding, Bring Us Down from This Cross
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, painted a grim picture of life under siege in his Easter message, likening Nigeria’s condition to crucifixion. He urged President Tinubu to show compassion and act swiftly.
“Hunger, fear, and bloodshed stalk our land. While we support economic reforms, it is clear that the people cannot endure this level of hardship and insecurity much longer,” Kukah said. He accused those in power of enabling armed groups as political tools, warning that their actions have unleashed chaos that now threatens everyone.
Bakare: Nigeria Must Reinvent Its Security Framework
Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Citadel Global Community Church called for urgent reform of Nigeria’s security architecture. Decrying the rise of community vigilante groups and ethnic militias, he warned that the country is headed toward an inter-ethnic crisis if comprehensive security reforms are not undertaken.
Bakare proposed the creation of Zonal Security Councils and a return to federalism in policing. “We must adopt multi-level security strategies, led by trained experts and coordinated across local, state, and regional levels,” he recommended.
CBCN President: Nation Under Siege
Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), also spoke out during Easter celebrations, expressing dismay at the brutal killings and kidnappings that have become commonplace.
“The country feels like a battleground. Nowhere is safe—not homes, businesses, highways, or even places of worship. This insecurity has left people hopeless and disillusioned,” he said. He warned that the economic downturn, compounded by insecurity, has mortgaged the nation’s future.
CAN in Kebbi: Leaders Will Face Divine Judgment
In Kebbi State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the continued loss of innocent lives and called for greater accountability from the nation’s security agencies. Chairman Venerable Ayuba Kanta reminded leaders that while they may escape earthly justice, divine retribution remains inevitable.
“We cannot accept a reality where killings occur with impunity while those tasked with protecting us watch in silence,” Kanta stated.
IPAC: Government Must Prioritize Lives Over Politics
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) joined the chorus of concern, demanding that the federal government demonstrate seriousness in addressing the nation’s deteriorating security environment. “Leadership is about safeguarding lives. Political power means nothing if citizens cannot live in peace,” the council said.
Across regions, religions, and political affiliations, a common thread has emerged: Nigeria is at a breaking point. The rising tide of violence, coupled with perceived leadership gaps, has provoked a national reckoning. The time for political platitudes is over. Nigerians are demanding action, empathy, and a credible path forward to reclaim their safety and future.
