A Call to Action for Nigeria’s Security Crisis
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kunle Edun, has raised a serious alarm about the escalating insecurity in the country, describing it as a national emergency that has reduced human life to nothing. In a powerful statement, he urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take immediate and decisive action to address the crisis, warning that failure to act could lead to the loss of Nigeria itself.
Edun highlighted the alarming situation where ordinary citizens are being killed daily, while politicians enjoy the protection of state-funded security escorts. He emphasized that Nigerians can no longer afford to ignore the reality of the security challenges facing the nation. According to him, the government must either act decisively or consider accepting international assistance to prevent further bloodshed.
“The security situation in Nigeria has gotten so bad that human lives seem to have no value except that of politicians guarded by armed policemen and soldiers paid by taxpayers, while ordinary Nigerians are being killed in their hundreds daily,” Edun stated.
He also stressed the importance of seeking foreign help, but cautioned against any form of foreign military intervention or invasion. “Nigeria is a sovereign state, and only Nigerians have the legal right to determine the fate of their country through the parliament and the ballot box,” he said.
Addressing Government Double Standards
Edun expressed deep concern over what he described as the government’s double standards in addressing crimes of violence, particularly those targeting religious minorities. He cited attacks in Plateau and Benue states, noting that recurring massacres in predominantly Christian communities could be interpreted as genocidal if urgent action is not taken.
“It is not enough to say there is no genocide with our mouths,” he said. “Government actions must show that the lives of Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and atheists matter.”
He also pointed out the contradiction in Nigeria’s secular constitution, noting that while the country is supposed to be secular, there are still instances of governments funding religious pilgrimages and projects. “A nation steeped in religion but without holiness,” he remarked.
Urging Immediate Action on Intelligence Reports
Edun called on the Federal Government to act on intelligence reports that allegedly identify the sponsors of terrorism and banditry in Nigeria. He claimed that these individuals are not hidden but are known to the government and its security agencies.
He also urged President Tinubu to take former U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning about Nigeria’s security situation seriously, stressing that the government must not be seen to tolerate criminality in any form.
“No serious government should act as if it’s okay when its people are being killed like chickens,” he warned. “The recent changes in the military high command should send a clear message that the government is ready to act. But we must go further — arrest the sponsors of terrorism, dismantle their networks, and ensure justice.”
The Paradox of Wealth and Instability
Edun highlighted the paradox of Nigeria’s immense wealth and its persistent poverty, insecurity, and corruption, blaming leadership failure for the nation’s instability.
“The black world looks up to Nigeria for leadership,” he said. “Yet with all our wealth, we are still battling corruption, poverty, and kidnapping. Though I must admit there have been some signs of revival recently, the eight years before now were marked by lawlessness and rudderless leadership.”
A Plea for Unity and Accountability
In conclusion, Edun appealed for unity and accountability, stating that both the Nigerian government and its international allies stand to benefit from meaningful cooperation in restoring peace and security.
“Both the U.S. and Nigeria have more to gain if they collaborate on security matters,” he said. “But at home, we must begin by saying never again — never again should communities in Plateau, Benue, and the Middle Belt be massacred and their people chased from their ancestral lands. The time to act is now.”