Former Abia State governor and Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, says the recent surge in killings and mass abductions across the country is politically driven and aimed at destabilising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Kalu alleged that some politicians were sponsoring banditry and violent attacks to create insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections, similar to what he claimed occurred under former President Goodluck Jonathan. He did not name the alleged sponsors.
“What we are seeing is routine during election periods. People try to pressure the government in power, and terrorists and bandits are orchestrated by some members of the international community and local people who want to destabilise the government,” he said.
Kalu, however, expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s handling of the situation, noting that the President had cancelled engagements to focus on security briefings. He assured Nigerians that efforts were underway to secure the release of abducted schoolgirls and other victims.
On comments recently made by U.S. President Donald Trump about killings in Nigeria, Kalu suggested the statements may have influenced the rise in attacks. He said intelligence agencies were aware of those behind the violence and insisted that some attackers were being “sponsored by politicians.”
Kalu also supported Tinubu’s directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers from VIPs, saying the decision would allow security personnel to focus on national threats. He added that Nigeria needed stronger cooperation with the United States to address insecurity.
Kalu said the federal government and security agencies were working “fully on duty” to contain the situation and recover those still in captivity.
