ENDING A CULTURE OF VIOLENCE

All the major stakeholders should do more to stem the scourge

Communal clashes and reprisal killings have plagued the country for decades. From Aguleri and Umuleri communities in Anambra State to Erin Ile and Offa in Kwara State to Wanikade and Wanihem communities in Cross River State, these violent eruptions have become a serious national security problem. Today, as the global community marks the 2025 International Day of Non-Violence, there must be a commitment by leaders in many of our communities to embrace peaceful dialogue in resolving disputes that often lead to bloodshed.

In 2007, the United Nations decided to use the birthday of Indian statesman, Mahatma Gandhi to remind the world that there is nothing that cannot be achieved through peaceful means. It is a lesson we must imbibe in Nigeria. There is hardly any zone in the country today where there are no conflicts, particularly on land borders between states. Yet, even within the states, there are violent eruptions among contiguous communities. Apart from the alarming death tolls, the losses to the economy because of these deadly clashes cannot be easily quantified. Thousands of people have been killed; several families are today dislocated with countless people physically and psychologically maimed for life. The future ambitions of many Nigerians, particularly children, have also been cut short or disrupted in many of the communities. 

 The problem is compounded by millions of illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) in the country. The ease of access to these weapons has made individuals and communities more fortified and hence less amenable to entreaties to make peace. Many communities are self-arming to protect themselves, to go on the offensive or for reprisal attacks. The frequency of the clashes demonstrates that we are teetering towards a lawless society, with all the frightening implications for peace and security in the nation.  

 These violent clashes have practically laid waste the country’s food basket. Since 2001, the once peaceful Plateau State, with a glorious climate, has been embroiled in ruinous and costly communal clashes which have consumed thousands of lives and displaced tens of thousands. The situation in Benue State is not better. Yet, in all these bloody eruptions, security forces have not much to cheer as they often arrive at scenes of violence after the damage had been done. Indeed, some have been implicated in the past for taking sides. Even community leaders as well as political and religious leaders who ordinarily should help in bringing peace and order are mostly often the ones leading the rhetoric of hate which fuels the cycle of violence. 

 Meanwhile, failure to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of these heinous crimes seems to encourage the propensity for violence as a means of redressing perceived grievances. We therefore call on authorities in Abuja and the 36 states to arrest this rapid and steady slide into anarchy by addressing all conditions that make violent attacks tools of expressing grievances between and among communities. We also enjoin them to devise effective conflict resolution mechanisms, create an early warning system that would alert of a brewing crisis, equip security agencies with modern intelligence gathering tools and promote policies that encourage peaceful coexistence and social harmony. Community and religious leaders must also rise to help in promoting peaceful co-existence among our people.

 Above all, we must accept that the insecurity confronting the nation is no longer a series of random and opportunistic attacks. Drafting military troops to theatres of violence arising from land disputes has over the years proved to be no solution. The time has come to realise the severity of the threat to our national security by reassessing the current strategies which have become ineffectual and costly. 

​  

  • Related Posts

    CITAD Condemns Police Arrest Of Varsity Student For Criticising Niger Governor Bago, Demands Immediate Release

    Mokwa was reportedly arrested on the orders of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, over a Facebook post criticising the governor.  ArticlesRead More 

    BREAKING: Tension In Oworonshoki As Lagos Government Bulldozers Return To Continue Illegal Demolition

    This development on Saturday morning comes despite assurances from the Commissioner of Police and the Oba of Oworonshoki that no further demolitions would take place.  ArticlesRead More 

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Business & Economy

    Access Holdings posts N320.57 billion pre-tax profit in first half of 2025 

    Top 10 high-paying artisan jobs in Germany for skilled migrants in 2025 

    Meet Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s new Chief of Army Staff 

    Fintech holds key to Africa’s $17 trillion real estate market – Virety CEO 

    Bank of Agriculture secures $200 million Livelihood Support Fund for displaced Nigerians  

    Lagos Free Zone remains the best investment destination for Nordic businesses in Nigeria – CEO, LFZ, Adesuwa Ladoja 

    Customs intercepts drugs concealed in imported vehicles worth N5.3 billion at Tin Can Port 

    DMO re-opens N260 billion AUG-2030, JUN-2032 bonds on Monday 

    Finally, Nigeria Exits FATF, Global Financial Crime Watchlist

    Abimbola Olashore: As Kids, We Used to Sit on NTA’sFloor for Tales By Moonlight

    Redesigning Skills for Nigeria, Others’ Creative Future

    Nivea Rolls-out 100million Fund to Advance Child Wellness

    Stallion Group Unveils 4 New MG Models in Nigeria

    Spiro Electric Bikes Cut Costs, Promote Cleaner Environment

    Report Says Human Skills Crucial to Stay Relevant in AI Era

    Naira strengthens to N1,455/$ as foreign reserves hit $42.8 billion 

    Aradel Holdings acquires 40% ND Western, deepens upstream footprint 

    FMDQ Exchange lists N30.05 billion fresh Commercial Papers in one week 

    Tigran Gambaryan: Court sets November 27 for judgement in detention case against Nigeria

    Tinubu hails FATF for removing Nigeria from grey list, calls it reform milestone 

    NGF, federal stakeholders, Woodhall Capital explore funding frameworks for state-led infrastructure – Organisers

    NGF, federal stakeholders, Woodhall Capital explore funding frameworks for state-led infrastructure – Organisers

    Kaduna: SON destroys N25 million worth of expired sugar, substandard goods

    IMTO inflows down $193.14 million in Q1 2025, miss remittance target

    FATF removes Nigeria from grey list, boosting investor confidence

    Afreximbank assets grow to $40 billion as Elombi takes over presidency 

    Nuli celebrates grand opening in Washington, DC

    Breaking: President Tinubu sacks service chiefs, appoints new military leadership 

    NEM Insurance records N5.8 billion Q3 2025 profit on booming investments 

    Lagos water transport: High fares threaten potential amid €410 million Omi Eko push 

    Nigeria’s fiscal deficit widens to N13.5 trillion in 2024 – Budget Office  

    Nigeria Immigration dismisses 2 officers for kidnapping, others

    CGT: How Nigeria compares with other African countries 

    Bonny Light boom: Nigerian crude set for biggest weekly surge since June rally 

    Meet Guinness Nigeria’s newly appointed company secretary, Abimbola Ajibola-Jimoh 

    Most indebted listed oil and gas companies as of June 2025   

    NEM Insurance revenue for second quarter 2025 soars to N75.41bn as sector grosses N1.2tn