Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Hashim, has accused the Federal Government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property amid renewed violence in Borno, Plateau, Kaduna and Kwara states.
In a statement reacting to the recent attacks in these states, Hashim described the deteriorating security situation as “a clearly unfolding national tragedy”.
He cited the alleged terrorist attack in Maiduguri, the alleged killing of over 200 residents of the Woro community in Kwara State, the killing of wedding guests in Kaduna State and the death of over 30 people in Jos, noting that the scale and frequency of the incidents suggest systemic failure within the country's security architecture.
“This is no longer a case of isolated security breaches. What we are seeing is a breakdown of responsibility at the highest levels,” he said.
Hashim criticized a pattern of official responses characterized by condolence messages and reassurances without any decisive action, arguing that such responses have neither deterred perpetrators nor reassured vulnerable communities.
He expressed concern at the absence of a clear, coordinated national strategy to counter armed groups, protect communities, and ensure justice for victims.
According to him, the gap between government leadership and the realities faced by citizens is also widening, as violence continues in many areas.
“Aside from condolence visits by politicians, the security high command has not presented inspiring plans to stop the killings, protect communities, or decisively confront and punish those responsible,” he said.
The PDP chieftain further alleged that global attention has been diverted from Nigeria's security crisis, warning that there is a risk of continued violence becoming normalized if urgent steps are not taken.
Therefore, he called on both Nigerians and the international community to prioritize the protection of life and take concrete action against what he described as “daily massacres”.
“With Iran coming to the center of the war, it seems the world has forgotten that there is a war of terror going on that has taken the lives of over eighteen thousand people in the last three years of the inept Tinubu administration.” He said.
“While administration officials continue to outdo Western capitals in terms of political and health tourism, with people dying unreported and under-reported at the hands of terrorists every day, the civilized world has stopped asking tough questions of Nigerian authorities.” He said.
“The initial show of trumpeting renewed security initiatives by the incompetent administration in Abuja has faded as international attention has waned, while the Tinubu administration has launched grandiose political efforts aimed at retaining its position,” Dr. Hashim lamented.
Hashim made a clarion call to patriotic Nigerians and global leaders to stand up for Nigeria, saying, “Nigerian lives matter too. It is time for all lovers of life and peace in Nigeria and around the world to rise up and take action to stop the daily massacre in Nigeria.” He said.
Hashim warned that the normalization of mass killings poses a serious threat to national stability and public confidence in government institutions.
Expressing condolences to the victims and their families, Hashim stressed that mere expression of sympathy is no longer enough.
“Sympathy is no longer enough. Immediate action is needed to stop the killings,” he said.