- Says Bandits, Terrorists Will Take Over If…
- Death Toll In Benue Attacks Hits 56
- Gov Alia Seeks FG Help
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Insecurity has emerged as one of the gravest threats to Nigeria’s stability, growth, and national identity. From remote villages to bustling urban centers, no part of the northern state is spared from the devastating impact of terrorism, armed banditry, and secessionist movements.
As these crises deepen, so too does the urgency for a strategic and united response that combines government accountability with active civic participation.
In the serene town of Takum, nestled in the southern flank of Taraba State, the Easter holiday took on a solemn tone this year—not just one of celebration, but also of caution and concern.
Gathered under a modest canopy in the heart of his hometown, retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma—former Minister of Defense and elder statesman—delivered a message that has echoed repeatedly in recent years, yet remains as urgent as ever: “Nigerians must stand up and defend themselves.”
It was during an Easter appreciation ceremony, meant to recognize the dedication of his personal staff, local partners, and the resilient medical team of the TY Danjuma Foundation, that the General’s warning reverberated. But this was no ordinary speech. It was part rallying cry, part lament, and deeply rooted in a growing sense of urgency over Nigeria’s fragile security situation.
“If our people do not stand up and defend themselves,” Danjuma said with unmistakable gravity, “bandits and terrorists will take over our society.”
His words carried the weight of lived experience; delivered not just as a former soldier or public servant, but as a man who has watched his beloved country face relentless waves of violence, from rural banditry and communal clashes to insurgency and kidnapping.
At 85, Danjuma has long retired from public office, but he remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s political and military history. His reputation as a blunt and fearless speaker has only sharpened with time.
For years, he has raised alarms about security lapses in the country, but his calls for grassroots self-defense have drawn both support and criticism.
Still, the message has stayed the same. And this Easter, as families gathered across Nigeria to mark the resurrection of Christ, Danjuma turned the occasion into a clarion call for vigilance.
He didn’t just call for action, he called for unity and community readiness. “The government alone cannot be everywhere,” he said, noting that insecurity has become a decentralized threat, often overwhelming conventional security agencies.
The choice of Takum for his message was fitting. The region, like many parts of Taraba and the Middle Belt, has not been spared by the spate of insecurity.
Communities here live with the constant threat of raids, kidnappings, and communal clashes, often with little to no timely intervention from federal forces.
Local residents in attendance nodded quietly as Danjuma spoke. Many had lost loved ones. Some bore visible scars. Others clung to faith, hoping for a turnaround.
“It’s not the first time he’s said this,” said Esther Ibanga, a local youth leader. “But today, it felt more urgent. The violence is getting closer. The villages are emptier. We need to wake up.”
Despite the somber tone, the event was also a celebration—one that highlighted the resilience of those working behind the scenes to bring hope and healing to local communities.
Danjuma took time to recognize the efforts of staff and medical personnel at the TY Danjuma Medical Centre, who continue to provide healthcare services despite limited resources and growing threats in the area.
“They are the quiet heroes,” he said, gesturing toward a group of nurses in the crowd. “In a time of fear and chaos, they bring comfort. In the face of crisis, they bring care.”
His appreciation underscored the dual realities of life in today’s Nigeria: the ever-present fear of violence, and the unyielding human spirit that refuses to be extinguished by it.
Danjuma’s comments come at a time when insecurity is a pressing national issue. From the forests of Zamfara to the suburbs of Abuja, Nigerians are increasingly taking security into their own hands—forming vigilante groups, community watches, and neighborhood patrols.
While some view these efforts as necessary, others warn of the risks of unregulated armed groups.
But for Danjuma, the threat of inaction outweighs the potential pitfalls. “Preparedness is not violence,” he said. “It is survival.”
His message was not just to the people of Takum but to every Nigerian, in every corner of the country where fear has replaced freedom.
As the event wound down and families began their slow walk back home, one phrase hung in the air, simple yet profound:
“Defend yourselves. The government can’t do it alone.”
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the escalating insecurity in the state, following renewed attacks by suspected herdsmen that have claimed at least 56 lives in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.
The governor made the appeal on Saturday during a visit to the affected communities, where he met with local leaders and residents to assess the scale of the destruction.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Governor Alia strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as “senseless violence against defenseless people.” He urged security agencies to take more decisive action to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace in the region.
“These killings must be stopped. Our people cannot continue to live in fear. Security agencies must act swiftly and effectively to protect lives and property,” he said.
The governor assured affected communities of the state’s commitment to improving security and providing relief. He urged residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the dangers of self-help measures.
As part of the immediate response, security has been reinforced in the troubled Sankera axis, which includes Ukum and Logo LGAs. Emergency services and relief materials have also been deployed to assist displaced residents and victims of the attacks.
The tragic events in Benue come amid a wider wave of violence in Nigeria’s North Central region. In neighboring Plateau State, over 100 people have been killed in the past two weeks after armed assailants carried out coordinated attacks on communities in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas.
With tensions rising across the region, calls have intensified for the Federal Government to take decisive steps to address the security crisis. Religious and community leaders, including Cleric Isa El-Buba, have urged President Bola Tinubu to consider declaring a state of emergency in the most affected areas.
Governor Alia’s visit underscores the urgent need for coordinated national and state-level responses to the worsening insecurity threatening the peace and stability of the region.
