March 09, (THEWILL) — Over the past two weeks, Nigeria has witnessed a surge of violent attacks, killings, kidnapping and large-scale destruction of property that have left communities across the country on the edge.
From the North-East to South-East, insurgents, armed gangs, and local militias have struck with growing audacity, targeting civilians and security personnel.
Mass abductions, assassinations, ambushes and communal clashes have created a climate of fear, exposing gaps in security and underscoring the urgent need for coordinated responses.
In one of the disturbing incidents, terrorists, believed to be members of Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province, attacked Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, boasting thereafter that they would perform forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr prayers in the community and declaring it part of their caliphate.
In a video, five armed men, all carrying AK-47 rifles, acknowledged beheading men and women and said about 300 abducted residents were to be converted into slaves.
Several civilians, including the Chief Imam of Ngoshe, in the state were reportedly killed and both civilian property and military equipment were destroyed during the attack.
In separate attacks in Benue, Niger and Kogi States, dozens reportedly died. In one particular case in Borno, it was rumoured that up to 40 security personnel, including two army officers, were eliminated by rampaging insurgents who attacked their military base. The rumour reportedly has since been refuted by the relevant military authority.
A monarch in Ebonyi State was kidnapped on his way to church, just as brutal killings were alleged in a communal clash in the state while a former local government Chairman was shot dead in Benue.
All this is happening at a time efforts are in top gear to establish State Police in the country. With the eventual arrival of State Police in no distant time, there are possibilities that the much-desired change will come if the required legal, constitutional and administrative changes are made by the authorities. The ongoing insecurity will be a thing of the past and Nigeria will be the better.
