Pro-Biafra Group Accuses Federal Government of Negligence Over Easter Attacks
The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has issued a strong condemnation of the violent incidents that disrupted Easter celebrations across several Nigerian states, directly accusing the Federal Government of negligence and a failure to protect its citizens. In a statement released on Tuesday by its Prime Minister, Ogechukwu Nkere, the group described the killings as excessive and lamented the tragic loss of innocent lives in what it characterized as ongoing terrorist assaults.
Details of the Easter Day Attacks
A series of deadly attacks marred Easter festivities in northern Nigeria, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and displacing dozens more across Plateau, Borno, Katsina, Benue, and Kaduna states. In Benue State, suspected armed herders invaded the communities of Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana within Gwer East Local Government Area, killing 10 individuals and injuring several others, forcing residents to flee to safer locations.
In Kaduna State, terrorists targeted two Christian churches in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area, where they killed five worshippers and abducted 31 more. These incidents followed a prior massacre in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, where multiple persons were killed. Nkere emphasized that these attacks, occurring on Palm Sunday and in the wake of earlier violence in other regions, highlight the government's inability to address Nigeria's deteriorating security situation.
Allegations of Government Failure
The BRGIE leader alleged that the Federal Government has not only failed to curb the menace of violence but has also neglected to take decisive action to prevent recurring attacks, thereby leaving citizens vulnerable and exposed. According to Nkere, the persistence of such incidents reflects a troubling gap in governance and accountability, raising serious concerns about the authorities' capacity to fulfill their primary responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.
He referenced recent security events, including suicide bombings in Maiduguri and the killings in Jos, noting that the spate of violence has continued despite both national and international outrage. Nkere pointed to a perceived disconnect between leadership and the realities on the ground, highlighting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reportedly attending engagements in the United Kingdom while security conditions at home deteriorated.
Statement from BRGIE Leader
Nkere stated, "Far too many innocent lives, both in Biafra and across Nigeria, have been lost to acts of extremist violence. The Nigerian government has not only failed to effectively address this crisis but, through negligence and inaction, has allowed insecurity to persist and worsen. This ongoing failure has created conditions in which violence continues to spread, with devastating consequences for civilians."
He added, "This apparent disconnect between leadership and the realities on the ground raises serious concerns about the government's ability to fulfill its fundamental responsibility: protecting its citizens. As a result, many Nigerians remain exposed, vulnerable, and without adequate security. This situation reflects a troubling gap in governance and accountability."
Policy Measures and Support Initiatives
The group disclosed that it has initiated policy measures aimed at supporting victims, particularly Christians in the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria. Nkere revealed that BRGIE has adopted "Legislation Bill No. 02262026," which outlines a comprehensive framework for providing assistance and solidarity to communities affected by the attacks. This move underscores the group's commitment to addressing the humanitarian fallout from the violence, even as it criticizes the Federal Government's response.
