100 Gallons of blood, No consequences, Zero Action – AISHA IBRAHIM ESQ
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Nigeria has witnessed an alarming surge in mass killings, unchecked violence, and terror attacks across several regions — from Uromi in Edo State, to the heartland of Benue, to the blood-stained communities in Jos, Plateau State. Each of these regions has become a mourning ground for innocent citizens whose lives were brutally cut short, while the state reels in a cycle of fear, silence, and insufficient response from the federal security architecture.
Despite efforts to stem the tide of insecurity by government, this recent surge in Herdsmen attack, Return of Boko haram and bandit activities suggest that not enough is being done by government to address the issue. This is particularly frustrating for the average Nigerian because inter alia, that was the fulcrum upon which this administration birthed.
Section 14(2)(b): Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy – “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
This section of the Constitution underscores the primary duty of the Nigerian government, including the President, to prioritize the security and welfare of the people above all other objectives.
Under no reasonable circumstance should we attempt to blame the state Governors for they have little control over the escalated matter. Many die in Nigeria with no repercussions, apprehension or punishment of the perpetrators! For how long should we continue to swim in bloodshed and cruise on tears? Living in anguish, abyss of fear and fright for the unknown!
It is high time the government immediately put forth mechanisms to allow the state government or governors control over the Police!
Section 130(2) of the Constitution states: – “The President shall be the Head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation.”
The killing of over 500 Nigerians in the first quarter of 2025 is not just a human rights crises, but a slap on the face of the leadership of Nigeria.
Examples of communities under siege/turmoil in Benue are:
Agatu Local Government Area (LGA): Villages such as Inoli, Ologba, Olegeje, Olegogboche, Olegede, Adana, Inminy, and Abugbe have been attacked, resulting in significant loss of life and property., Guma, Odugbeho, Ukum,Tarka LGA’s. Living at the mercy of armed bandits in their own country!
In Borno, they are:Gwoza, Malam-fatori, wajiroko, Dumba, Wulgo e.t.c almost perpetually living in fear of next attack/death in their own country!
Katsina and Yobe states!
Tens of communities are under siege in the country living as though it is normal! Until half of our extinction before the Government acts? No one is safe anymore!!! You don’t have to live in those communities, there are kidnappers and unknown gun men in circulation.
JANUARY, 40 farmers killed in borno, 20 SOLDIERS killed in Borno, 21 killed in katsina, 15 killed in Zamfara!, Delta intercommunal Clash.
FEBRUARY, Katsina air strike ‘casualties’, Dozens killed in Plateau Fulani Attacks, 18 killed in kaduna Gunmen village raid, over 21 soldiers, 10 civilians brutally killed in Borno, Justice Azuka kidnapped and killed in Anambra, ONE CHANCE MENACE IN ABUJA(several killed), Lagos Targeted Killings.
IN MARCH, The 16 Uromi killings, Benue Killings, Jos Killings.
IN APRIL- 52 killed in plateau, dozens killed from the resurgence of boko haram in Borno. WHAT A SHAME!!!
Delta intercommunual clash, Rivers cult crises, Lagos targeted killings.
A big crown for a big head, with little MIGHT… (Pause and Ponder)
What has been done to prevent further attacks, massacre, killings and ethnic cleansing? If the powers under section 305 of the 1999 Constitution must be invoked, this time justifiably, please declare a state of Emergency in Borno, currently under Boko haram siege. The return of insurgency points fingers at the incompetence of the COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, enemies of Nigeria are taking advantage of the glaring weakness.
Are we as Nigerians yet to realize that mostly under secured fertile lands are attacked? Why can’t we secure our treasures? Why leave such porous borders and wait to set the camera to record “we condemn the act”, “we are deeply saddened by the unfortunate killing” “we condemn the violence” “the perpetrators must be brought to justice” “we are working closely with security agencies.”
In 2025, while most high-profile killings have occurred in the North, there have also been notable incidents of violence in the South, particularly involving mob justice, cult clashes, and inter-communal violence. We must come together to restore sanity and demand peace in Nigeria.
The Federal Government’s Monopoly on Security Has Failed. The truth must be told: Nigeria’s current centralized security system is overburdened, outdated, and grossly incapable of protecting over 200 million citizens across diverse terrains, ethnic groups, and security realities. It is impossible for a Commissioner of Police to effectively respond to local crises when he must seek clearance or wait for directives from Abuja.
Nigeria must now face what it has long ignored the creation of State Police. Security is local. The nature, triggers, and solutions to insecurity in Sokoto differ from those in Bayelsa, just as what works in Lagos may not work in Zamfara.
If Nigeria can decentralize education, health, and even the judiciary through state courts, it is both irrational and dangerous to continue centralizing policing. This is a plea, outcry, outburst and demand for:
1. Immediate constitutional amendment to allow states to establish and control their police forces.
2. Strengthen community policing by integrating traditional rulers, local leaders, and civil society in crime detection and prevention.
3. De-politicize security appointments and make them merit-based, transparent, and performance-driven.
4. Invest in intelligence gathering and local surveillance, using technology and local knowledge systems.
As a human rights/policy advocate with a deep interest in security reform, I have developed actionable frameworks on how state policing can be effectively implemented within Nigeria’s constitutional structure. For further engagement or access to the full policy document.
