National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu has assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ending the growing insecurity and violent attacks affecting communities across the country. Ribadu’s comments were made on Tuesday in Makurdi, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathy to the people of Benue State over the recent killings attributed to suspected herders.
The NSA’s remarks came as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday to discuss the rising attacks in Benue and Plateau states. Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago announced plans to personally lead operations against miscreants, known as “Area Boys,” in the state. This follows a surge in criminal activities in Minna, which has resulted in violence and the deaths of innocent people.
In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo convened a security meeting on Monday to address the rising insecurity in the North senatorial district, while Gombe State Governor Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya convened a similar emergency meeting following an attack during an Easter procession in Billiri, which left several dead and many others injured.
Governors Gather for Urgent Meeting
The NGF’s meeting, scheduled for 8 pm Wednesday, is set to focus on the violent clashes between herders and farmers, particularly in Benue and Plateau states. The governors had previously visited Plateau State to offer condolences following deadly attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas, where over 100 people were killed.
In a statement, the NGF emphasized the importance of resolving differences through dialogue rather than violence. Governors from different states, including AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Prof. Babagana Zulum of Borno, and Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, attended the visit to Plateau. Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau expressed his gratitude for the support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity.
Bago Takes Action Against ‘Area Boys’
In response to escalating violence in Minna, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago vowed to personally lead efforts to flush out criminal elements, including “Area Boys.” He announced a ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycles in the state capital from 6 pm to 6 am, except for essential workers or those transporting patients. Bago also warned that any property harboring criminals would be demolished.
Okpebholo and Yahaya Address Security Concerns
Edo State Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s commitment to maintaining security across the state. After a security stakeholders’ meeting in Iyamho, the governor assured that criminal activities would be decisively tackled, with the full support of key political and community leaders.
In Gombe State, Governor Yahaya convened an emergency meeting to address the tragic violence during an Easter procession in Billiri. The state pledged to support the victims’ families and promised that the culprits would face swift legal action.
Adams Calls for Security Overhaul
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba Land, Iba Gani Adams, called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, urging the federal government to take decisive action to address the growing crisis of killings, kidnappings, and other criminal activities. He pointed out the need for restructuring the security framework to include state and local government police, which he believes will help curb the violence.
CISLAC Warns of Escalating Insecurity
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) voiced its concerns over the federal government’s failure to address the escalating violence across the country. Executive Director Auwal Rafsanjani criticized the lack of decisive leadership from the government, particularly in light of the recent attacks in Benue, Plateau, and other states. He called on all levels of government to prioritize the protection of citizens and end the cycle of insecurity and bloodshed.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread violence, the call for urgent and sustained action to protect citizens and restore peace grows louder.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
