In our editorial commentary last week, we bemoaned the dastardly massacre of innocent citizens—women and children, young and old—slaughtered in Benue and other parts of the North Central region. We equally called on the relevant authorities to ensure that the bloodshed across Nigeria is halted immediately. Yet, here we are again, discussing the barbaric killings of 12 wedding guests traveling from Zaria to Jos. This speaks volumes about how endangered human lives have become in this country.
These killings are happening in quick succession, raising a troubling question: Is Nigeria at war, and if so, with whom? As things stand, no one is safe unless the government wakes up from its slumber and does the right thing. These murderers must be identified and brought to justice—otherwise, Nigeria risks becoming a failed state sooner than anyone anticipated. Those behind these genocidal attacks, judging by their modus operandi, appear to be trained mercenaries with sinister motives not yet fully realised.
The only way to stop them is for the government to change its tactics and treat them as terrorists— which is precisely what they are. What is happening in Benue, Jos, and other parts of the country reflects a breakdown of order more befitting a banana republic than a constitutional democracy. An administration that continuously allows insecurity and other vices to fester is an aberration—and a grave disservice to the nation. The frequency of bloodshed has numbed public sensitivity to human deaths and instilled fear in every corner of society.
What is especially frightening is that these attackers often strike and vanish without any confrontation from security agents. Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed shock and openly queried the Inspector General of Police about the lack of arrests after nearly 200 people were hacked to death in Benue. Though the administration continues to reassure Nigerians that it is doing its best to change the insecurity narrative, its actions—or inactions—will ultimately be judged by results. We will know the government is serious when these killings stop and people’s means of livelihood are protected by the state. The recent arrest of some suspects involved in the Benue attacks is welcome news.
However, the government must ensure that those responsible for such extreme violence are thoroughly profiled and their motives uncovered. We also expect to see swift arrests in the case of the Jos wedding massacre. Nigeria’s worsening insecurity calls for deep and sober reflection, especially by those entrusted with protecting the rest of us.
We demand urgent and effective action to ensure that our freedoms are not curtailed by violence and fear, as is currently the case. The bloodletting that has plagued this country for the past 15 years—and counting—must come to an end. Those responsible must be brought to justice without delay. The time to act is now.
