Terror Attacks in Southwest Nigeria: A Symptom of Governor Complacency
The escalating terror attacks in Nigeria's South-West region confirm predictions by security analysts and concerned citizens, who foresaw the crisis even before the June 2022 attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. For discerning minds, the horrific killings, forced abductions, and exorbitant ransom demands were tragedies waiting to happen, stemming from the government's failure to curb such violence in the north.
The most troubling aspect is that the only Nigerians who either failed to foresee these attacks or showed indifference are the politicians and public officials who hold the power to prevent them. These officers were elected to protect citizens, ensure security, and promote welfare, as mandated by the constitution. However, they have woefully failed, gradually rendering the country rudderless and devoid of effective governance.
Rising Toll of Killings and Abductions
The spate of killings and abductions has become intolerable. In Ekiti State, one person was killed and 16 abducted over 40 days ago. In Oyo State, two people were killed, and 42 pupils were taken into the forest. Before the dust settled, three more individuals—Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul—were kidnapped on June 3, 2026. These are the major incidents, alongside numerous foiled kidnap attempts and cases where local vigilantes apprehended suspected terrorists with large arms caches.
Nigerians, individually and collectively, have made efforts to compel political leaders to act, especially since the Chibok incident in Borno State. Sadly, due to entrenched vested interests, leaders have done just enough to maintain the status quo, raising hopes and spending heavily on security without achieving lasting results. This failure has allowed violence to spread from the Northeast to the Northwest, North Central, and now the Southwest. The Southeast and South-South regions are also not spared from the kidnapping epidemic.
Failure of Governance and the Risk of State Collapse
The entire situation is distressing because it signals a failure of government that could ultimately lead to state collapse. Given Nigeria's social, political, economic, religious, and ethnic complexities, such failure could trigger dislocation of unimaginable proportions. While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, bears ultimate responsibility, other public officials cannot be exonerated. This includes governors who command substantial security funds daily but hide behind the excuse of lacking control over police or the army, yet fail to push for state police establishment. Local government chairmen, now receiving direct federal allocations, also neglect their primary duty of ensuring security and welfare at the grassroots.
Security Summits Fail to Stem Violence
Despite security summits held by South-West governors and leaders, insecurity continues to escalate in rural communities. Kidnappings and violent assaults persist as if no security operatives exist to stop criminal impunity. Last week in Ekiti State, residents of Eda-Oniyo Community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area staged a peaceful protest over the continued captivity of 16 residents abducted during a church service, despite paying N10.5 million ransom and other demanded items. The protesters, including community leaders, women, youths, and relatives, accused authorities of failing to secure the abductees' release after 36 days.
The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when armed men invaded Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) during worship. The presiding pastor was killed, and 16 worshippers were taken. The kidnappers initially demanded N1 billion, later reducing it to N150 million and then N50 million. Despite the community raising and paying N10.5 million along with other materials, the victims remain captive. Nothing is more tragic than the government's failure to assure any rescue mission for 36 days, leaving families in despair.
Growing Fear and the Need for Government Action
The killing of a cleric and abduction of worshippers in Ekiti is a troubling sign that life and property are under serious threat in the region. Many now live in constant fear of attack. According to eyewitnesses, the Ekiti attack lasted about 40 minutes, forcing residents to flee in panic. The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Falade Michael, who led an assessment visit, could only offer the usual verbal assurance of intensified operations. Similarly, the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, visited to commiserate and assure residents of the administration's commitment to safety. Nigerians cannot continue living at the mercy of criminals; the government must prove it has not lost control by ensuring the safety of life and property everywhere.
