The need for community-based security initiatives to complement Gov’t efforts

In the wake of the horrifying Christmas eve terrorist attack that ravaged 25 communities in Plateau State, it becomes painfully clear that the Federal Government’s promise to eradicate terrorism and other criminal activities this year may have been nothing more than empty words.

The senseless killings in Plateau State serve as a grim reminder that the government’s commitment to ending the national plague of insecurity is questionable at best.

It is disheartening to note that it took the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, a staggering five days to visit the affected state, by which time over 200 innocent residents had already lost their lives.

The Plateau State Police Command revealed that during the attack, suspected herdsmen mercilessly massacred at least 221 individuals and completely razed 221 houses in the communities of Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangus Local Government Areas. This level of devastation is simply unfathomable.

The Federal Government must rise to the occasion this year and fulfill its promise to rescue Nigeria and its people from the clutches of terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals. These malevolent forces continue to sow seeds of fear and destruction, drenching the land in the blood of innocent citizens and hindering the progress of our great nation.

We cannot allow Nigeria to descend into a state reminiscent of Thomas Hobbes’ description, where life is nasty, brutish, and short, and survival depends solely on one’s strength, weaponry, and capacity for violence.It is imperative that the government takes swift and decisive action to bring an end to this reign of terror.

The safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens should be the utmost priority, and every effort must be made to ensure their protection. The time for empty promises and delayed responses is over. Nigeria deserves a government that is proactive, committed, and resolute in its fight against insecurity.

For the past two decades, our nation has been embroiled in a costly battle against terrorism, with security agencies pouring resources into the fight. Unfortunately, this has come at the expense of other critical areas such as economic development, job creation, infrastructure building, and social services.

The sudden emergence of terrorists in the northern part of the country has resulted in the loss of countless lives, displacement of millions of farmers, and the imposition of levies on residents by these criminals.It is imperative to note that development thrives in an environment of peace and security.

The current state of insecurity in our nation is a significant hindrance to progress. With hundreds of people being killed, farmers unable to access their farms, traders unable to transport their goods, and investors scared, it is challenging to make any meaningful progress.

The Tinubu administration must recognise that the activities of these criminals and the resources spent to combat them are draining our nation of the vitality and stability it needs to move forward.If the Tinubu administration hopes to leave a lasting legacy of achievement, it must take concrete steps to address the issue of insecurity.

Only then can we hope to create an environment that fosters economic growth, job creation, and social development.

In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, expressed confidence in the Tinubu administration’s ability to effectively tackle the security challenges facing Nigeria before the end of 2024.

Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, highlighted the proactive approach being taken by the current administration to combat terrorism in the northern part of the country. He assured Nigerians that measures and strategies were being implemented to pre-empt and crush the terrorists before they strike.

Matawalle firmly believed that all security challenges would be overcome by November 2024. However, it is important to note that this is not the first time such promises have been made by the government, only to disappoint Nigerians in the end. Even before President Buhari took office, he vowed to end killings and kidnappings during his election campaigns. As a former military officer and head of state, Nigerians had high hopes that he would effectively address criminal activities in the country.

These promises continued after he became president in 2015, with Buhari vowing to end the suffering caused by insecurity in Nigeria during a National Security Council meeting in May 2020. Despite these assurances, the reality on the ground has often fallen short of expectations. Nigerians have experienced ongoing security challenges, and the government’s promises have not always been fulfilled. It remains to be seen whether the current administration’s efforts will bring about the desired results and effectively address the security situation in the country.

At the celebration of Olojo festival in Ile Ife, Osun State, Buhari, who was represented by the then Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, also vowed to end wanton killing of innocent citizens. The then president also promised to end the insecurity scourge, especially kidnappings and killings, before the end of his administration in 2023.

During the presentation of the 2023 Appropriation Bill at the National Assembly in Abuja, President Buhari expressed confidence that the government would significantly reduce insecurity, particularly banditry and kidnapping, before the end of his administration. He promised to redouble efforts to leave a legacy of a peaceful, prosperous, and secure nation.

However, as Buhari’s tenure came to an end, it became evident that the government had been overwhelmed by the activities of various killers and kidnappers across the country. Despite assuring Nigerians that he would expose the sponsors of these criminals, Buhari ended up making excuses before leaving office. Since assuming power in May 2023, President Tinubu has made a similar pledge.

During a visit to the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Tinubu declared that the country would not rest until it sees an end to insecurity, even though the ratio of victory over defeat in the fight against terrorism has been sliding in favor of the Federal Government. He emphasized that security would be a top priority, extending beyond battlefield concerns. However, it is crucial for the government to back up its words with action.

The need for new strategies and measures to combat insurgency is evident. Just five days after Governor Matawalle disclosed the Federal Government’s plan to end insecurity in 2024, terrorists carried out brutal attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State during Christmas Eve, resulting in the deaths of over 150 innocent people over a 48-hour period.

Let this be the year when Nigeria reclaims its peace and security, when the bloodshed ceases, and when the country can once again flourish and thrive. The people of Nigeria have suffered enough, and it is high time for the government to deliver on its promises and restore hope to a nation that has been plagued by darkness for far too long.