Nigeria Security Crisis: A Lamentable Result Of Buhari's Failure
The alarming death toll of 63,111 individuals whose lives were ended prematurely during President Muhammadu Buhari's eight-year tenure is a grim reflection of Nigeria's escalating insecurity crisis. These casualties incurred from the activities of terrorism, bandits, Fulani Herdsmen, communal crises, cult clashes, and extra-judicial killings, highlights the failure of the administration to effectively tackle the security challenges they promised to address. The staggering figure is compounded by the fact that it is a conservative estimate, with many cases remaining underreported or not reported at all.
During President Buhari's first term in office , the recorded death toll reached 27,311, showing a disturbing escalation of violence. The Buhari administration's promises to restore security and protect the lives of citizens have turned empty rhetoric, as evidenced by the subsequent increase in fatalities. The situation worsened between 2019 and May 2023, with an additional 35,800 lives lost, indicating a significant failure to address the root causes of insecurity.
One of the most pressing security challenges faced by Nigeria is the persistent threat of terrorism, posed by groups like Boko Haram, Fulani Herdsmen and ISWAP. Despite the government's repeated assurances of defeating these extremist organizations, they have continued to wreak havoc, claiming the lives of innocent civilians and security personnel. The administration's inability to neutralize these groups and curb their activities is a serious question about its commitment and sincerity to confront the security threats, as they promised.
The rise of banditry and killing of farmers by Fulani herdsmen have been further reasons for Nigeria's insecurity crisis. Criminal gangs armed with sophisticated weapons have carried out audacious attacks on vulnerable communities, resulting in numerous deaths and displacements. The administration's failure to proactively address the root causes of these conflicts and provide adequate security measures has allowed the situation to spiral out of control.
The administration's approach to tackling insecurity has been marked by a lack of proactive measures and effective community engagement. Insufficient intelligence gathering, limited interagency collaboration, and a dearth of resources have hindered the government's ability to prevent attacks and protect citizens. Furthermore, the absence of a comprehensive strategy that addresses the socio-economic and political factors fuelling insecurity has only perpetuated the cycle of violence.
The conservative estimate of 63,111 deaths during President Buhari's tenure is likely just the tip of the iceberg. The underreporting of incidents due to limited access, fear of reprisals, and a lack of trust in the justice system obscures the true magnitude of the crisis. This not only distorts the severity of the problem but also undermines efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and provide justice to the victims and their families.
The staggering death toll of 63,111 individuals killed during President Buhari's eight-year tenure exposes a grave failure on the part of the administration to address Nigeria's insecurity crisis. The broken promises, inadequate responses, and lack of proactive measures have allowed terrorism, banditry, Fulani herdsmen, communal crises, cult clashes, and extra-judicial killings to ravage the Nation.
Urgent action is needed to strengthen security institutions, improve intelligence gathering, foster community engagement, and address the socio-economic root causes of the conflict. Only through a comprehensive and resolute approach can Nigeria begin to restore peace, protect its citizens, and rebuild the trust that has been shattered by this devastating wave of insecurity.
Written by Obulose Chidiebere
Edited by Ogah C S Maduabuchi
For Family Writers Press International.
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