Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said that while security agencies continue their operations across the country, only God can ultimately bring an end to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.
The minister made the remark amid renewed security concerns in several parts of the country, including recent incidents of killings and kidnappings reported in Oyo and Borno states between May 15 and 17.
Recent attacks saw gunmen invade three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where 39 students and seven teachers were abducted. In Borno State, armed groups reportedly stormed schools in Mussa, located in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, kidnapping 42 pupils.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, Matawalle described insecurity as a national challenge that demands the cooperation of security agencies and citizens alike.
He called on Nigerians to support ongoing security efforts, pray for peace and avoid actions capable of worsening the situation. He also cautioned political actors against turning insecurity into a tool for partisan interests.
“It’s disheartening, and we must all rise to ensure that security agencies and Nigerians work together to end insecurity in the country. Insecurity does not discriminate based on political affiliation or religion. It can affect anyone.
“That is why we have urged the opposition to stop using insecurity to incite people. It is a challenge that can happen to anyone, and no Nigerian is happy about it. Unfortunately, some members of the opposition appear pleased with the situation. They do not care about the people. What matters to them is portraying the government as a failure for their own political interests and deceiving people into believing they alone can end insecurity.
“It is only God that can bring to an end to this insecurity, alongside our collective prayers and efforts. It should not be used as a tool to condemn others or score political points.”
Matawalle further alleged that outdated and misleading videos were being circulated on social media to create the impression that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had failed in tackling insecurity.
He stressed that security challenges are not unique to Nigeria and maintained that security personnel remain committed to confronting terrorist groups and other criminal elements operating across the country.
“There are fake and recycled videos being circulated, some dating back to the Jonathan administration and others from countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali, yet they are being presented as incidents that occurred under this administration. That is not true.
“Our security operatives are working tirelessly across the country. We have directed them to decisively with terrorists, but this is not a challenge that can disappear overnight. Even some of the world’s powerful nations have battled insecurity for years and are still confronting it.
“We ask Nigerians to continue praying for us and supporting efforts to bring this challenge to an end.”
(DAILY TRUST)
