Recent increases in banditry and kidnappings in Nigeria have sparked widespread concerns and criticisms from various quarters.
One prominent critic of this trend is Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, who has raised questions about individuals associated with the bandits and their potential role in exacerbating the situation.
In a recent interview, Kukah expressed his dismay over the surge of kidnappings in schools and urged the government to investigate those claiming to have ties with the bandits.
He criticized the government for its failure to decisively tackle the ongoing abductions, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those suspected of collaborating with the criminal elements.
These concerns come on the heels of the recent release of 137 schoolchildren who were abducted in Kaduna State, highlighting the increasing threat of kidnapping across the country.
The month of March has been particularly turbulent, with a spate of abductions, starting with the seizure of 112 Internally Displaced Persons in Borno State on March 3.
Subsequent incidents included the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kaduna on March 7 and Tsangaya students in Sokoto on March 10, underscoring the escalating security challenges faced by the nation.
Meanwhile, Islamic cleric Sheik Ahmad Gumi has advocated for a non-confrontational approach towards the bandits, suggesting dialogue and understanding their grievances as a pathway to peace.
Gumi’s stance has sparked debates, with some questioning his motives and potential ties to the criminal elements he engages with.
In response to Kukah’s calls for thorough investigations, the Federal Government has reportedly invited Gumi for questioning regarding his statements on the bandits.
Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, affirmed that no individual, including Gumi, is above the law, and all remarks affecting national security will be duly scrutinized.
Dr. Pogu Bitrus of the Middle Belt Forum commended Kukah for echoing the sentiments of many Nigerians, emphasizing the imperative need for investigations into individuals associated with criminal elements.
Bitrus criticized the government’s inaction and the proliferation of insecurity, calling for a robust and unbiased approach to combating criminal activities plaguing the nation.
He urged authorities to prioritize national security and hold all perpetrators and accomplices accountable, regardless of their affiliations.
As the nation grapples with escalating threats posed by banditry and kidnappings, stakeholders like Kukah and Bitrus advocate for a proactive and resolute response to safeguard the populace and restore peace and stability.
The issue at hand involves various challenges in the North, whether it be the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency in Borno or the herdsmen militia from the Northwest venturing into the Middle Belt and South. According to a statement made, “Nobody should be above the law; they should be brought to book and let us have peace,” emphasizing the need for accountability.
There is a call for the President to demonstrate leadership by taking action against the criminal elements causing terror across Nigeria. The statement highlights the importance of holding these individuals accountable for their actions, ultimately fostering peace in the nation.
Regarding the President’s role, there is a challenge for him to address the situation effectively. It is suggested that if Tinubu claims to have the authority, he should ensure that these criminal elements are apprehended. The repercussions for those involved are clear; they must conform to the law or face the consequences.
Following this sentiment, a former lawmaker from Katsina State House of Assembly also supported Bishop Kukah’s stance. Expressing concern over individuals or groups associating with bandits and engaging in criminal activities without facing repercussions, he urged the government to take decisive action.
Similarly, the President of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum echoed the sentiments expressed by Bishop Kukah. Emphasizing the dissatisfaction among Nigerians with the current state of affairs, he stressed the need for the government to identify and punish those responsible for enabling these criminals.
In essence, there is a collective call for the government to address the root causes of criminal activities and eliminate the forces perpetuating insecurity in the country.