By Our Correspondent
Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has issued a passionate call to President Bola Tinubu, urging the Federal Government to take decisive action to end the wave of killings and kidnappings sweeping across the country.
Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, described the relentless attacks, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, as both unacceptable and preventable.
In a statement released yesterday, he decried the continued assault on innocent Nigerians by armed herders and criminal gangs, warning that failure to act swiftly would plunge the nation deeper into chaos.
“The killings are avoidable. No government should stand by while unarmed citizens are massacred,” Falana charged.
While he praised security operatives for their prompt arrest of 14 suspects linked to the brutal killing of 16 people in Uromi, Edo State, Falana insisted that similar urgency is needed in Benue and Plateau, where scores have fallen victim to recurring violence.
He commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his proactive steps, including his visit to Kano to console the families of the Uromi victims and his promise of financial compensation.
However, Falana lamented that the same compassion and urgency have yet to reach the traumatised communities in Benue and Plateau.
The senior advocate called on the Attorneys General of Edo, Benue, and Plateau states to ensure that suspects already in custody are swiftly prosecuted to uphold justice and prevent further unrest.
“The wheels of justice must not be slowed. Speedy trials will reassure citizens that the law is not asleep,” he stressed.
In a rallying cry for broader cooperation, Falana urged state governments to foster stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies, especially in intelligence sharing, to curb the rising tide of insecurity.
Adding its voice to the growing concerns, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, called for greater synergy between the National Security Adviser and state governors.
The group also reiterated its long-standing demand for state police and the restructuring of the country to address the roots of insecurity.
As anxiety deepens across Nigeria, Falana’s bold appeal stands as a stark reminder that the safety of citizens is a sacred duty that cannot be delayed.
