We Are Winning War Against Insecurity, Tinubu Claims, Amid Rising Killings, Kidnapping, Banditry
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has claimed that “Nigeria is winning its war against banditry and kidnapping, Amid worsening insecurity across the country.
He made the assertion during his Independence Day celebration speech on Wednesday morning.
“We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe.”
“They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in South East and banditry and kidnapping. We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation.”
“Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.”
Tinubu’s claims of peace and victory against insecurity come despite a series of recent attacks and killings in different parts of the country.
Naija News House reported on n Sunday, a bandits attack in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The Kwara State Police Command later confirmed that 12 vigilante members, including the Baale (community leader) of Ogbayo, were killed during the assault on Sunday morning.
According to the command, the incident occurred at about 7:00 a.m. when gunmen invaded the Ogbayo area of Oke-Ode and opened fire indiscriminately.
It was also reported on n Monday, that panic gripped Essanti village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State after bandits abducted two sons of a community youth leader in a brazen daylight attack.
The victims were reportedly seized around 1:30 p.m. while returning from their farm. Residents told NupekoTV that the abductors disclosed they were heading to Essanti after learning that villagers had begun fleeing the community for fear of repeated night attacks.
A source who later communicated with the kidnappers revealed that the attackers said abducting the youth leader’s sons would reduce the need for further night raids, as the move was meant to intimidate residents and weaken the community’s resolve. The victims, after confirming to their captors that they were from Essanti, were immediately taken hostage.
On Sunday night, bandits also launched a violent raid on Marri village in Patigi Local Government Area, leaving one person dead and another injured.
According to NupekoTV, the attack took place amid heavy rainfall between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., with the assailants storming the community and carting away several motorcycles.
In August, residents of Kirawa in Borno State, displaced by Boko Haram attacks, said they had been forced to seek refuge in neighbouring Cameroonian villages under harsh conditions.
Many of them reported spending their days in Nigeria but returning to Cameroon at night, fearing renewed assaults.
Following a major attack in August, which led to the withdrawal of troops from Kirawa, displaced residents have been scattered across border communities in Cameroon, sleeping on roads, in mosques, and in school classrooms to avoid possible midnight raids.
