Emeka Anyaoku, the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, has strongly urged the Nigerian government to address the growing insecurity and escalating violence across the country, highlighting the failure to prosecute perpetrators as a critical issue. The call comes as the nation witnesses a surge in attacks by gunmen, with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other regions suffering from unchecked violence.
Despite previous government assurances, the country has seen continuous attacks, notably the Christmas Eve massacre in Plateau State that claimed over 200 lives. Anyaoku made his appeal during the 2024 Summit and Award ceremony of the Merchants of Light School Old Boys Association in Anambra, emphasizing the urgent need for effective action.
According to a report by The Guardian, Anyaoku pointed out the ongoing trend of violence, lamenting that killings occur without any significant arrests or prosecutions. “The government must deploy its forces to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for these heinous acts,” he stated, asserting that this is the only way to deter future crimes and restore peace.
This sentiment is echoed by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize national security. The students’ body, represented by its Senate President Elvis Ekudina, highlighted the need for stronger intelligence capabilities to thwart future attacks.
The ongoing security challenges have prompted Dr. John Metchie, the African Director of the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), to urge President Tinubu to sign the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Bill. This legislation aims to empower officers to combat criminal activities in forests across the country.
The NHFSS Bill, already passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, awaits presidential assent. Metchie believes that well-trained professional hunters and forest security operatives could significantly contribute to intelligence gathering and the apprehension of criminals, working alongside the police, army, and other security agencies.
Former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has also shed light on the activities of terrorists in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, highlighting the daily struggles of local communities against banditry and terrorism.
As the nation confronts this security crisis, there are growing calls for the government to take decisive action to prosecute those responsible for the violence and implement effective measures to prevent further attacks.
