EgbemaVoice Editorial Board: Nigeria’s Worsening Insecurity Requires Decisive Federal Action
Nigeria is once again confronted with a troubling wave of insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives across several northern states. Reports of attacks, kidnappings, and violence carried out by armed groups — including bandits and extremist elements — have left many communities devastated. Christian communities in parts of Kebbi, Kwara, Plateau, Kaduna, and Borno, among others, have suffered repeated assaults, raising national and international concern.
Security personnel — the Nigerian Army, Police, Air Force, and other frontline agencies — continue to bear the brunt of these conflicts. Many of the junior officers who risk their lives daily are underpaid, overstretched, and sent into extremely hostile territories with limited support. Their sacrifices deserve recognition, protection, and meaningful improvement in welfare.
At the same time, the public continues to demand accountability. Nigerians have repeatedly asked government institutions to identify and prosecute all those — including political collaborators, financiers, or local enablers — who may be supporting or benefiting from insecurity. No nation can win a war against terror without uncovering the networks behind it.
Given the scale and persistence of these attacks, the question many Nigerians are now asking is simple:
What is stopping President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from declaring a State of Emergency in the worst-hit states?
When schoolchildren can be abducted in broad daylight…
When farmers, women, and children are killed in their homes…
When entire communities live in fear of nightly invasion…
When security forces themselves are overwhelmed…
…then extraordinary measures become not just an option, but a constitutional responsibility.
The calls for international attention are growing louder. Many civil society groups, religious leaders, and global observers are urging the Nigerian government to take decisive action to prevent further loss of life. Whether labeled as mass atrocity, targeted violence, or terrorist aggression, the human suffering is undeniable.
Nigeria must not allow any group — religious, ethnic, or political — to feel abandoned.
Denying, downplaying, or politicizing the deaths of citizens only deepens public distrust. What Nigerians demand today is transparency, protection, and action. Every life lost — Christian or Muslim, civilian or military — is a national tragedy.
The EgbemaVoice Editorial Board therefore calls on the Presidency, National Assembly, and security agencies to:
1. Consider declaring a targeted State of Emergency in areas where government control has collapsed.
2. Strengthen the welfare, equipment, and morale of frontline security personnel.
3. Investigate and prosecute financiers, collaborators, and political actors linked to violent groups.
4. Enhance intelligence operations to prevent attacks before they occur.
5. Engage international partners where necessary to prevent further escalation.
6. Ensure protection for all communities, irrespective of religion or ethnic identity.
Nigeria cannot afford to normalize this level of insecurity. Leadership must rise to the moment.
Brigadier General Uba and three of his men abducted and publicly executed by Islamist terrorists in Borno state on Friday.
64 civilians, including women and children, abducted in Tsafe LGA Zamfara state by Islamist terrorists on Saturday.
25 female students and their Principal abducted from a school in Maga, Kebbi state on Sunday by Islamist terrorists whilst their Vice Principal was killed.
38 worshippers abducted from a Church in Eruku, Kwara state yesterday.
One policeman killed in an attack by Islamist terrorists in Geidam, Yobe state yesterday.
8 members of the Civilian Task Force killed and three abducted by Islamist terrorists in Gwoza, Borno state yesterday.
15 people abducted, including 4 nursing mothers and babies, and two killed in Sabon Birni, Sokoto state by Islamist terrorists yesterday.
4 rice farmers killed in an attack in by Islamist terrorists in Edu, Kwara state yesterday.
52 students abducted in a Catholic school in Agwara, Niger state today.
All this in just one week.
May God save Nigeria!
EgbemaVoice Editorial Board
Comments