Recent events in the country raise grave concerns. Innocent lives are being cut short without justification, and not a single day passes without harrowing reports of brutal killings that shock the conscience. It has reached a point where human life seems to carry less value than that of chickens.
The narratives remain painfully consistent—from Plateau’s turbulent landscapes to Benue’s heartache. Hundreds are falling victim to violence, while countless others find themselves displaced, exposed to harsh weather, and struggling to survive on meagre scraps for themselves and their desperate families.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State addressed his constituents honestly in the aftermath of tragic events. Acknowledging the government’s shortcomings in protecting its citizens from the brutal wave of terrorist attacks, he stood before the grieving people of Zikke and Kimakpa in Bassa Local Government Area, where more than 50 lives were recently lost.
“All arrangements were established to avoid this, yet we failed you. On behalf of the government and security agencies, please forgive us,” he earnestly expressed, his words heavy with responsibility and sorrow.
To combat the escalating threat, the Governor proposed an ambitious “community-based response system.” This plan calls for traditional institutions and local youth to unite in establishing a vigilant framework, empowering them to defend their communities against external dangers. While bold, this approach has shown promise in Borno State, which has faced similar challenges due to the relentless activities of Boko Haram insurgents. The initiative aims not only to enhance security but also to foster a sense of unity and resilience among the people in the face of adversity.
A lingering concern, however, is the unsettling possibility of a tragic repeat of the horrifying events that recently unfolded in Uromi, Edo State. The nation collectively held its breath after the brutal and senseless murder of 16 hunters from Kano. These men, returning from hunting expeditions in Port Harcourt, became victims of a chilling act of violence that left many grappling with disbelief and sorrow.
In stark contrast, the situation in Benue State paints a troubling picture. The government appears to cling to outdated narratives, scapegoating an entire ethnic group—the herdsmen—for the rampant and gruesome killings in the region. Despite widespread outcry and the urgent need for action, no tangible measures have been taken, allowing the violence to continue unchecked.
Recently, Governor Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia found himself in a heated media dispute with former Governor Peter Obi. The conflict was ignited when Obi announced plans to visit Benue State to offer condolences and support to the grieving populace. Interpreting the gesture as politically motivated, the Governor swiftly issued a ban on the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, dismissing the visit outright. Yet, amid the political posturing, the grim reality remains: the killings continue unabated, casting a dark shadow over the state and its people.
In the regions of Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger, the atmosphere is one of resignation. People have stopped mourning the dead; the scale of casualties is overwhelming, rendering traditional grief ineffective. Bandits reign with impunity, their terror persisting despite intensified military operations. In a desperate attempt to meet the outlaws’ demands, families are selling treasured lands and belongings—sacrificing their futures for momentary relief.
In Zamfara State, tension simmers between the current Governor, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence. Their feud revolves around who bears responsibility for the persistent terrorism and the alarming rise in kidnappings for ransom that plague the region.
As this political rivalry rages on, the notorious Bello Turji, alongside a new and sinister figure, Mai Jikka—also known as the “Shekau of Zamfara”—continues to carry out heinous acts with impunity, deepening the state’s insecurity and chaos.
Meanwhile, once stewards of the land, pastoralists can no longer guide their livestock across green pastures. Their animals, once sources of livelihood and pride, are gone, leaving an aching void where their hopes once thrived.
Farmers and traders are unable to reach their farmlands or conduct business, leading to a dramatic increase in poverty within communities. As a result, many citizens struggle to make ends meet, with livelihoods compromised and desperation growing at an alarming rate.
It is heartening, however, to observe that several notable bandit leaders have been eliminated. The Nigerian military rightly deserves commendation for its diligent efforts and bravery.
In Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, the dreaded Boko Haram sect has bared its fangs once again. The Governor of Borno State has raised the alarm, revealing that the sect controls several swaths of land within the state.
Since its resurgence in 2004, Boko Haram has unleashed a wave of violence that has severely crippled socio-economic activities across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. Modelling itself after the Taliban in Afghanistan, the group has instilled fear, displaced families, disrupted livelihoods, and undermined local economies. The impact of their terror lingers, leaving a legacy of hardship and instability.
No state has borne the brunt of Boko Haram’s terror more than Borno. At the peak of their reign, a staggering 70 percent of the state was under the group’s control, plunging entire communities into chaos and despair.
Boko Haram’s grip has been significantly weakened due to the courage and determination of the military and the unwavering support of the Civilian Joint Task Force. However, the disturbing news of the group’s resurgence in several local governments is rekindling fear among residents who long for peace.
Ironically, as the Governor sounds the alarm over Boko Haram’s return, the political elite seem more focused on the 2027 elections. This stark contrast highlights the dual realities facing the people of Borno: a persistent threat of violence and a political class preoccupied with ambition and alliance-building.
