Insecurity in Nigeria

The spate of insecurity in the country has reached a sickening level as no part of the country appears safe to live now. Even places that were hitherto regarded as safe haven in the country have slumped to all kind of violent crimes.

Day after day, reports of kidnappings, armed robbery, banditry and cult clashes have dominated the media space.

Insecurity in Nigeria now appears worse than the peak days of boko haram insurgency some years back.

Then, only the north east was regarded as as a death zone in the country, but today, the story has changed.

The south that appear safe has entered a reverse gear.

The country has more or less become sheep without shepherd yet, we have leaders but they chose to look the other way boasting to the outside world how safe the country is when in actual sense, palpable fear, anxiety and tension have taken over everywhere and Nigerians appear helpless.

Events in the last weeks show that no one is actually safe, no matter how highly placed.

A prominent Yoruba Oba, the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi was murdered in cold blood by bandits, the wife of the chief of staff to governor Akeredolu was abducted. Just to make reference to few.

Traveling along many routes in Nigeria has become a nightmare due to the presence of bandits along many highways.

With the spate of attack on the rise, criticism continue to mount against the govt over its inability to tackle the situation effectively with calls for the replacement if service chiefs.

Of more concern is the loss of confidence in the country’s security which has created a compelling case for regions to take matters into their hands by forming regional security groups such as Amotekun.

How effective has the outfit been since it was launched.

Where is Amotekun is the question people are asking.

When the wife of the chief of staff to governor akeredolu was abducted, the woman was rescued in a jiffy, reportedly by Amotekun and some hunters. So, Amotekun could be efficient but where were they when four siblings were abducted for days on their way to Imoru.

With unabated attacks, confidence in govt’s ability to protect its citizens is diminishing and approaching its lowest ebb.

We remain cautions that these attacks if not effectively and urgently dealt with, it could 1 have negative impact on domestic food production.
2 accelerate the rate of migration either from rural areas to the city or out of the country leading to dearth of skilled workers.
3 exacerbate inter tribal tensions particularly between Fulani and other tribes.

Olasunkanmi Elujoba