President Bola Tinubu landed in Abuja on Monday night after an 18-day working visit to Paris, but he returned to a nation on fire. While he was away, over 120 Nigerians were slaughtered in Plateau, Benue, and other states—homes burned, families displaced, and communities left in ruins.
Now, Tinubu is set to hold an emergency security meeting with service chiefs to address the escalating violence. But as the death toll rises, Nigerians are asking: Will this meeting bring real solutions, or is it just another political formality?
A Nation Drowning in Blood
Since Tinubu left Nigeria on April 2, armed attackers have turned parts of the country into killing fields. In Benue, at least 56 people were massacred in Logo and Gbagir, with survivors blaming armed herders. In Plateau, entire villages have been wiped out, leaving thousands homeless. And despite military deployments, the violence continues unchecked.
A top government official confirmed to The PUNCH that Tinubu is deeply concerned and will immediately meet with security chiefs, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, to review the crisis.
But here’s the burning question: Why does it always take mass deaths before Nigeria’s leaders act?
Presidency Blames Governors: “They’re Wasting Security Votes”
While Tinubu prepares for his emergency meeting, his administration is already shifting blame. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, accused state governors of failing to properly fund security despite receiving massive security votes.
“Some governors give N20 million to the SSS, N20 million to the police, and N20 million to the army monthly—while their security votes run into billions,” Bwala said during an interview on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines.
He argued that governors don’t need state police to curb violence—they just need to stop hoarding security funds and properly equip existing security agencies.
“If governors use their security votes to buy drones, vehicles, and surveillance equipment for federal security agents in their states, we’d see a difference,” Bwala insisted.
But is this just another excuse?
TY Danjuma’s Controversial Call: “Nigerians Must Defend Themselves”
As the government scrambles for solutions, former Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma has reignited a heated debate. In a recent speech in Taraba, he repeated his 2018 warning:
“Nigerians must rise and defend themselves before these bandits overrun the entire country.”
His statement has split opinions across the North:
-
Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi rejected the idea, warning that self-defence could lead to anarchy.
-
Plateau and Taraba residents backed Danjuma, arguing that the government has failed to protect them.
-
Security experts are divided—some say self-defence is necessary, while others fear it could spark full-blown civil conflict.
Jackson Dauda, a security officer in Plateau, told The PUNCH: *“Self-defence is the only option left. We can’t keep waiting for the government while our people are slaughtered.”*
But Dr. Simon Nuhu, a security analyst, warned: “If everyone starts carrying guns, we’ll descend into chaos.”
Read: Dangote’s Petrol Price Slash: A Game-Changer or a Death Knell for Fuel Importers?
Retired Generals Propose Solutions: Community Policing, Not Anarchy
Rather than arming civilians, retired military officers are urging a structured approach:
-
Brig. Gen. Peter Aro (retd.) suggested forming Neighbourhood Watch Units led by retired soldiers and police officers.
-
Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinibi called for regional security outfits like Amotekun in the South-West.
-
Maj. Gen. Dayo Olukoju (retd.) reminded Nigerians that only the government has the constitutional power to use force.
But with kidnappings and killings happening daily, how long can Nigerians wait?
Protests Erupt in Plateau: “Enough is Enough!”
On Monday, furious residents of Jos took to the streets, demanding an end to the killings. Led by Christian leaders, protesters marched to the Government House, chanting:
“We are tired of burying our people!”
Governor Caleb Mutfwang assured them that justice would be served, but many wonder if these promises will ever materialize.
Will Tinubu’s Meeting Make a Difference?
As Tinubu meets with security chiefs this week, Nigerians are watching closely. Will this be another talk shop, or will decisive action finally be taken?
The truth is, Nigeria’s security crisis won’t end with meetings alone. It requires:
✔ Accountability for governors misusing security funds
✔ Better coordination between federal and state security agencies
✔ Modern surveillance technology to track attackers
✔ Grassroots intelligence networks to prevent attacks before they happen
If Tinubu fails to act now, the bloodshed will only worsen. And Nigerians—tired of empty promises—may have no choice but to take Danjuma’s advice into their own hands.
What Do You Think?
Should Nigerians be allowed to carry arms for self-defence?
Are governors really to blame for insecurity?
Will Tinubu’s meeting with service chiefs bring real change?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!
