Insecurity: Are Nigerians paying for the price of poor governance?

Insecurity: Are Nigerians paying for the price of poor governance?

The outrage of insecurity has now become a generic word both in public and private discussions in the country.

In recent years, banditry and kidnapping have become a menace challenging the security of the country.

The menace is becoming niggling especially with the ‘high dimension’ manner that kidnappers are carrying out their activities in the country, most especially in the northern part of the country.

The number of reports on kidnapping across the country recently is beyond reasoning, whereby the abductees and their families are traumatised by the ordeal.

This menace has made us believe that each administration seems to have its challenges as former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who governed between 2010-2015 encountered the challenge of Boko Haram insurgency; immediate past president, Muhammed Buhari (2015-2023) battled banditry, the herdsmen, gunmen).

The present administration of President Bola Tinubu is currently battling banditry and kidnapping challenges, just like his predecessor and that calls for the question “When are we going to sleep with our two eyes closed in Nigeria?”

I express my sincere sympathy to the family of Al-kadiriya on the tragic incident and the murder of Nabeeha Al-kadiriya, a 400-level student of ABU Zaria.

Nabeeha was kidnapped along with her father and sisters from their home in Abuja. Days after the abduction, their abductors demanded a huge ransom and later killed Nabeeha as a warning when the money was not paid.

On behalf of the family, we appreciate the support of all Nigerians in funding the payment of the ransom. Also, we appreciate Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, for his kind heart and generosity in raising 50 million ransom for the release of the girls.

I employ all Nigerians to keep praying for Najeebah and her sisters’ safe return.

My point ultimately, is are Nigerians paying the price of poor governance? Yes. We blame security agencies and the government because they are responsible for the protection of our lives and properties.

However, whatever the case, some measures must be taken and adopted by the security agency to protect the nation.

From the outset, I want to argue that one of the reasons we have not managed to find an escape route out of the tragic bind of insecurity in Nigeria, is the lack of security.

The security architecture of Nigeria needs to be re-organised to be able to tackle contemporary security challenges. Security agencies should track down kidnapping rings and also improve technology.

There is also the need to review the current strategy for dealing with the issue of insecurity and hostage-taking in Nigeria.

On the other hand, I would employ the citizens, to cultivate the habit of “see something and say something”. When you notice any suspicious or unprecedented actions speak up and report immediately to any security agency, be vigilant, encourage community policing, and cooperate with the security agencies when needed.

We have to work closely together with the security agencies, as we’re facing a common enemy.

President Bola Tinubu has assured that his government will stamp out the remaining vestiges of Boko Haram, Ansara, banditry and kidnapping gangs.

Finally, I want to use this opportunity to appeal to Mr President, security chiefs, the minister of Defense, the Director General of the Department of State Services and the National Security Adviser, to intensify efforts until every agent of darkness is completely rooted out in our great nation.

Editor’s note: This piece has been edited minimally to retain the voice of the writer.