The state of security in Nigeria has been a source of concern to both the government and the governed. The unfortunate situation has left the citizens looking up to the security organizations in the country to nip the escalating levels of violence, criminality, and killings happening across the nation in the bud. But what happens when those charged with the task of protecting and defending the country and its citizens are now under attack themselves?
This has been the question on the minds of so many Nigerians as they waited for the reaction of the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari, who has since responded to the attack by the so-called ‘bandits’ on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Afaka, Kaduna State through a spokesperson.
On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, news about an attack on military property in Kaduna State broke and it seemed like a rumor until major media houses started reporting it. It was reported the armed bandits stormed the NDA premises in Afaka in the early hours of the morning – around 2 am to be precise.
Having breached the security and the gate and gained entrance, the brutes wounded and killed some military personnel while abducting others. The Nigerian Army, later that day, confirmed the fears of millions of Nigerians as they corroborated the story, revealing that two of its officers were killed and one senior officer was kidnapped from the Defence Academy.
The Presidency also responded to the NDA Kaduna attack, calling it was a ploy to discourage, distract, and dampen the morale of the officers with regards to the fight to curb the insecurity challenges in the country. He vowed not to give in to their ploy as he said instead of giving up the fight, the unfortunate incident has further strengthened his resolve to ‘uproot of evil in the polity’. The President also commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones as he prayed for God to give them the strength to bear their loss.
Here is the statement from the Presidency:
“The attack launched on the facility of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on Tuesday, rather than throw a dampener into the morale of our Armed Forces as it is intended to, will buoy their determination to make a decisive end of criminality in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
“Noting that the attack, which led to the loss of lives, came at a time that the military had put insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other types of criminals on the retreat, the President says the heinous action would accelerate the total uprooting of evil in the polity, which members of the Armed Forces are solidly resolved to accomplish in the shortest possible time.
“Commiserating with the families who lost their loved ones, and praying God to comfort them, President Buhari vowed that the deceased would not die in vain, as the degenerate act would have consequences that will eventually clean the country of vermin, and emancipate the polity from deliberate, targeted and contrived atrocious acts.
“The President thanks all Nigerians who value and appreciate the efforts of our military, and urges those playing hateful politics with the dastardly act to desist, noting that rather than recriminations, this is the time for all patriots and people of goodwill to support and encourage those who are in the vanguard of the battle against wickedness in the land.”
Peter Obi decries Demolition of brother’s property in Lagos – ‘Nigeria is lawless’
Former presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as “coordinated lawlessness” after a property owned by his younger brother was demolished in Lagos without any formal notice or legal order.
In a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, June 25, Obi revealed that his brother arrived at the company’s premises in Ikeja, Lagos, only to find demolition underway.
He said security personnel at the scene claimed they were acting on a court judgment, yet failed to produce any legal documents or demolition order.
“How do you sue an unknown person? How does a court issue a judgment in such a farce of a case?” Obi queried, disclosing that the judgment cited was allegedly against “unknown persons and squatters,” despite the property being a registered company site for over 15 years.
Obi said he rushed from Abuja to Lagos upon receiving a distress call, only to be shocked by what he witnessed during the demolition.
He said contractors on-site could not identify who sent them, and no official from any government agency appeared to clarify the situation.
“The whole situation screamed of coordinated lawlessness and impunity,” Obi stated, adding that two men who later appeared only asked him to report to a police station, also without any court backing.
Drawing broader implications, Obi said the experience reflects what ordinary Nigerians endure and explains why foreign investors are reluctant to do business in the country.
“Someone told me he has investments in Ghana, Senegal, and the Benin Republic but won’t touch Nigeria. His reason was clear: ‘Nigeria is a lawless country,’” Obi noted.
I listen to those who insult me and learn governance lessons from them – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu said he has grown a thick skin against insults from his critics and political enemies to the point that he now learns governance lessons from them.
Tinubu disclosed this while speaking at the town hall meeting held at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The meeting was part of activities scheduled for the President’s visit in the wake of recent killings in the state. Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and other dignitaries, including North Central governors, received the President.
“No matter what I do, they will insult me. I read the papers and I learn from their criticism because I can’t see it all,” the President said.
Over 200 residents of the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of the state were killed when assailants suspected to be herders invaded on Friday, June 13, 2025.
The unfortunate incident attracted both nationwide and foreign attention, with international media outlets reporting it. Following the outrage, Tinubu visited Benue on Wednesday to console the surviving victims of the killings.
Addressing the Governor, the President said, “Your political enemies don’t want you to succeed. Are you just realising that?”
Tinubu also urged leaders from across the region to work together as part of a non-kinetic approach to solving the hydra-headed insecurity situation.
“We cannot do without another.
“I will want us to create a leadership committee now to meet in Abuja to fashion out a strategy for lasting peace. And I am ready to invest in that peace,” he said.
Tinubu also charged security agencies to go after the perpetrators of the Benue killings, questioning the police on why no suspects have been arrested since the incident.
Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made?” the displeased President asked.
“I expect there should be arrests of those criminals.”
“I give you the assurance that we will find peace and convert this tragedy to prosperity.”
Tinubu, you are incapable – Falz slams president over Benue killings
Nigerian rapper and activist, Falz, has condemned President Bola Tinubu over the recent mass killings in Benue State, accusing him of failing in his most fundamental responsibility as a leader.
In a strongly worded post shared on X on June 16, 2025, the rapper expressed deep frustration at what he described as a repeated pattern of government negligence amid growing insecurity across the country.
You have consistently shown that you are incapable of performing the primary duty of securing the lives and property of your citizens. This routine statement does not cut it.
Falz’s comments come in the wake of public outrage over the massacre of more than 200 people in parts of Benue State. The killings, which have been linked to suspected herdsmen attacks, have drawn widespread condemnation from Nigerians and prominent voices in entertainment.
After being called out online for what many people perceived as his silence on the matter, President Tinubu took to X to address the massacre, saying “Enough is enough.”
His statement read in part,
“I have been briefed on the senseless bloodletting in Benue State. Enough is enough! I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them.”
Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.
Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness, and justice.
Despite finally addressing the bloodshed, many Nigerians have still faulted Tinubu for not speaking on it early enough, especially after the Pope.
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