Nigeria’s Endless Insecurity Challenges Adding to its Economic Woes

Opinion
By Vincent Odoh

No one can safely determine the future of Nigeria in the next decade – looking at the ‘Fulani herdsmen.’

The recent killings in Benue State where 23 innocent lives were lost, 11 in Gwer and 12 in Apa is a jaw-breaking incidence that left everybody confused. As if that was not enough, Nkanaha Community in Isi-Uzo LGA, Nimbo Community in Nsukka LGA respectively followed.

The activities of ‘Killer Fulani Herdsmen’ have no doubt heightened the issue of insecurity in the country.

Despite the pains and agony experienced through horrendous killings of innocent Nigerians, it is disheartening to note that the Federal Government is not paying sufficient attention to these killings.These tyrannical killings of innocent Nigerians is unarguably heart-breaking and a disturbing trend that demands urgent solution.

Terrorists have waisted a lot of innocent Nigerians especially people from Benue and South East regions. The killings in Nkanaha Isi- Uzo LGA of Enugu State is another worrisome incident that would have attracted the attention of the Federal Government to the activities of the men whose brutality can only be compared to cannibals.

It is high time Nigerians and of course the leadership show responsibility by quickly working to stop the carnage. No one, including the killer herdsmen, have the monopoly to kill innocent citizens irrespective of religious affiliation.

A one time governor of Lagos state once pointed out that insecurity, especially herdsmen is becoming uncontrollable and unbearable and therefore, something positive has to be done. Hear him; “These herdsmen must be called to order. The wanton destruction and the audacious incursions into people’s territory can not continue for too long. Some farmers have been turned to perpetual debtors, because some of the inputs, according to sources, were secured with loans from banks.” If we don’t do anything about the activities of these herdsmen, I can see a very serious threat to the society.

Funny enough, Nigerian leaders are seemingly unable to diagnose the import of Governor Mimiki’s message and courage. Our leaders do not seem to understand that these herdsmen are gradually affecting our national psyche It has become a cog in the wheel of progress of Nigerians and poses unimaginable threats to future generations yet unborn.

The Benue state Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia (allegedly suspended priest), had cried out thus: “This killings are unacceptable and as your governor, I will not sit idle while the communities are turned into killing fields” He was apparently crying out because of the level of carnage in his state.

Furthermore, a civil liberty and “Rule of Law organization” (inter-society), on Monday 2nd June 2025, raised alarm over the alleged occupation of the killer herdsmen of several areas in the South East.

It was reported that members of one family were killed in Ape, Benue state. According to National Post reports, they were said to be victims of massacre in Adikwu Ankpi, Ape LGA of Benue State. The report gathered that the attack claimed about 25 lives.

A grieving family member wrote: “We are completely overwhelmed and deverstated leaving scores in hospital and thousands deserting the community (reported National Post).

As Nimbo community in Nsukka Local government were recovering from the shock of the killings of their indigene in 2016, the community had remained under siege of the herdsmen “who kill and rape, both old and young, maim and uproot cassava to feed cattles and rob usually unsuspecting traders along Nsukka/Ogurugu/Adani road intermittently.

It could be recalled that in 2016, the residents of Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local government Area, Enugu State were reportedly invaded by over 500 gun-totting, machete-welding herdsmen. The communities were Nimbo, Nwoko, Ugwuijiro, Ekwuru, Ebor, Enugu Nimbo, Umuome and Ugwuechara (Saturday Sun, April 25, 2016).They set fire on their houses and kill residents. The report further added that the villagers were mindlessly murdered and 11 homes raised.

In Ogun State, Dr Mimiki Olusegun at the state capital, Akure held peace talks following yet another killings by suspected herdsmen in the state.

Endless reports like the ones above abound with little hope of finding amicable solution. The indiscriminate killings of innocent Nigerians demands urgent and drastic measures now before it destroys the economic fabrics of the nation.

Our forest guards should be more equipped to strengthen their security operational capabilities. More guards should be employed to assist the police and the army. Special courts should be set up to checkmate the excesses of the herdsmen in the country.

Thanks to Enugu state Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah who reportedly transmitted an executive bill to Enugu State House of Assembly to monitor criminal activities among native doctors, herbalists and related persons in the state. The bill when passed is equally expected to out-law illegal use or occupation of forests and properties for criminal activities (National Post published June 4, 2025).

A stitch in time saves nine.