Are We Cursed or the Cause of Our Own Insecurity?

Insecurity in Nigeria has reached a critical level. Across the country, headlines now regularly report kidnappings, abductions, bandit attacks and killings. What was once an occasional security issue has become a national emergency that threatens the nation’s safety, stability and economic growth.

Every day, innocent people are taken hostage in large numbers, and huge ransoms are demanded and paid for their release. Teachers and pupils who were kidnapped in Oyo State remain in captivity, a stark reminder of the growing insecurity and the apparent helplessness of those tasked with protecting lives and property.

Even more alarming is that many of these criminal groups do not hesitate to kill or maim their victims when ransom demands are not met. Families are devastated, communities live in fear, and survivors often suffer lifelong psychological trauma. The value of human life appears to be eroding in the face of unchecked criminality.

Beyond Oyo State, an unspecified number of Nigerians are being held hostage in forests and hideouts across the country. While countless families struggle to secure the release of their loved ones, political actors and leaders seem more focused on calculations and alignments ahead of the 2027 elections. These misplaced priorities raise serious concerns about the political class’s commitment to addressing the nation’s most pressing challenge.

Both past and present administrations have failed to provide a lasting solution to insecurity in Nigeria. What Nigerians often see are temporary measures and cosmetic treatments that address symptoms rather than root causes. Despite repeated assurances from government officials, the security situation continues to deteriorate in many parts of the country.

A determined government would explore every available option, including seeking international support, technical assistance and strategic partnerships to combat terrorism and organized crime. National security should never be sacrificed for pride or political considerations. Protecting citizens must remain the highest priority of any responsible government.

Another issue that continues to generate debate is the establishment of state police. Although discussions on state policing have persisted for years, the proposal remains largely on paper with no clear roadmap for implementation. Given the unique security challenges across different states and regions, many Nigerians believe that properly regulated state police structures could complement existing federal security agencies and improve intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.

This situation forces a fundamental question: Are Nigerians cursed, or are we the cause of the insecurity that plagues our nation? While the government bears the primary responsibility for providing security and welfare, the masses also have a role to play. Citizens have not always held elected leaders accountable for their actions and inactions. Too often, public officials are allowed to escape scrutiny after elections.

Furthermore, during elections, many voters still allow religious, ethnic, tribal and regional sentiments to influence their choices instead of supporting credible and competent candidates regardless of political affiliation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, security agencies and security experts both within and outside Nigeria must urgently collaborate to end this embarrassing security crisis. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Nigerians must purge themselves of divisive sentiments and elect leaders based on competence, character and capacity. Only then can the nation begin to chart a path toward lasting peace, security and genuine greatness.

Tochukwu Jimo Obi, Obosi, Anambra State