President Tinubu Returns from Paris, Plans Urgent Security Meeting Over Rising Attacks
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after an 18-day working visit to Paris and London and is set to meet with service chiefs and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to address the alarming rise in killings across Plateau, Benue, and other regions.
Reports indicate that over 120 people have been killed since Tinubu left the country on April 2, with thousands displaced and homes destroyed, despite ongoing military deployments.
A top government source confirmed that the meeting will review ongoing violence and reassess security strategies across affected states, particularly Plateau, Benue, and Borno.
Presidency Shifts Blame to Governors Over Killings
Meanwhile, the Presidency is pointing fingers at state governors for the deteriorating security situation. Presidential aide Daniel Bwala criticized governors for allegedly mismanaging their security votes—stating that some allocate as little as N20 million to security agencies monthly, despite receiving between N1 billion to N3 billion in security funds.
He argued that rather than waiting for a state police force, governors should use existing resources and structures more effectively, investing in equipment, surveillance, and local security outfits.
Danjuma’s Self-Defence Call Divides North
General Theophilus Danjuma’s renewed call for Nigerians to defend themselves has sparked mixed reactions. While leaders in Plateau and Taraba supported the idea, others, like Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, warned it could lead to anarchy.
Namadi emphasized dialogue and traditional conflict-resolution methods over armed self-defence, citing the peaceful resolution of herder-farmer conflicts in Jigawa. Nasarawa officials echoed this stance, highlighting their investment in formal security.
However, stakeholders in Plateau and Taraba believe self-defence has become necessary due to continuous government failure to protect lives. Residents and youth leaders pointed to escalating attacks, particularly by groups like Mahmuda, and urged government support for community-led security initiatives.
Experts Warn Against Anarchy, Push for Community Policing
Security experts like Dr. Simon Nuhu cautioned that mass self-defence could spiral into widespread violence. Others, including retired General Peter Aro, interpreted Danjuma’s statement as a cry of frustration rather than a literal call to arms, urging community policing as a sustainable solution.
Solomon Kurmanga, a top information officer in Adamawa, supported empowering locals, stating that security agencies alone can no longer contain the threat.
As tensions rise, President Tinubu’s upcoming meeting with security heads is expected to shape the country’s next moves in the battle against widespread violence and insecurity.
What’s your take on the growing calls for self-defence? Should Nigerians take security into their own hands, or is it time for the government to rethink its approach? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Leave a Reply