With the loss of lives daily by the attacks of the dreaded Boko haram terrorists and Fulani herdsmen attacks, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari is reportedly surprised that killings of Nigerians by these dreaded groups on daily bases continues unabated.
A statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Femi Adesina quoted the president as saying:
“I was taken aback by what is happening in the North West and other parts of the country. During our campaigns, we knew about the Boko Haram. What is coming now is surprising.”
Buhari reportedly stated this when he received Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and a delegation of the Eminent and Respected Citizens of Niger State at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
‘Surprising’ Boko Haram Stronger Than Ever
Like Buhari revealed, he knew about Boko Haram, because who would not? They have killed tens of thousands and have displaced over 2.3 million people, but in 2019, he was convinced that he had dealt with and decimated them.
The presidency and the security chiefs stuck to their narrative despite daily attacks by the terrorists in the North East, the threat to cut of Borno state from the rest of Nigeria due to attacks on the only safe route into the hotbed of the terrorists and the publicized killing of several captives including a CAN chairman and an innocent university undergraduate, Ropviel Daciya Dalep.
The president is however bewildered at their recent activities in the last one week, Boko Haram has in a viral video revealed some of its arms and machinery, carried out several attacks on the military, and particularly a viral video showing commuters’ running back to Maiduguri on foot.
Banditry ‘One Evil Plan’
President Buhari believes that bandits, as most suspected Fulani herdsmen are classified, are one evil plan.
“It is not ethnicity or religion, rather it is one evil plan against the country,” he said.
Buhari rightly noted that the onslaught of the bandits had affected agricultural output in some parts of the country, in spite of the favourable weather for farming, as many farmers were attacked, and others had to stay away for safety.
In three days while armed Fulani herdsmen attacked kwatas village in Plateau state killing 14 on Sunday, another set of armed Fulani herdsmen killed three in Pangari Village in Taraba.
Suspected Fulani herdsmen along the Ogbomosho-Ilorin expressway shot and killed a Nollywood actor on Monday morning.
Following reprisal attacks on Tuesday, Ruboi and Marish communities in Plateau state were attacked increasing the death toll to 28 and 23 houses including a mosque which was burnt down.
What is being done?
The president promised that “harder times” await bandits whose disruptive activities have brought sorrow to Nigerians.
“We have to be harder on them. One of the responsibilities of government is to provide security. If we don’t secure the country, we will not be able to manage the economy properly “ Buhari said…
The lawmakers dedicated the day to deliberate on the security situation in the country and have asked that the inspector general of police appear before it to update them. The senate is also determined to implement community policing.
“For a long time, major stakeholders in the country in the security of our nation and police authorities appear to achieve consensus on the necessity of the introduction of community policing in the country. The Senate is going to pursue the implementation of community policing vigorously, to this end, the police authorities will be invited to brief and update the senate on the progress made so far” Lawan said.
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to deploy additional air assets and NAF Regiment and Special Forces personnel to troubled areas in the North West to beef up security arrangements. NAF recently acquired two new Agusta 109 Power Helicopters and was also expecting an additional helicopter.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar reaffirmed the commitment of NAF to deal with all threats to the security of the Nation, with particular reference to terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, armed banditry and other forms of criminality, working in concert with sister Services and other security agencies.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has also reassured that the counter-insurgency operations in the North East and other operations against insecurity across the country are on course.
“There have been several arrests of the insurgents’ logistics suppliers and collaborators, numerous capture of their arms and ammunition as well as the rescue of many captives from the bondage of the insurgents,” Buratai said.
What is wrong with Nigeria? Should the deteriorating security situation in a country be a surprise to the Chief Security Officer? Who will defend Nigeria? Who will fight our battles? If this daily killing continues, what type of Nigeria are we going to have in a few years from now? I have an idea…A country that kills its inhabitants thereof!
