The recent wanton attacks by gunmen on police formations in the South East have become worrisome as police officers are killed, stations raged and in some cases, arms and ammunition carted away by the attackers. Many have accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being behind the attacks and feel the government is not taking proactive measures to forestall the crisis. Nigerians react to the situation.
Sam Obinna, 63, Retiree, Abia State
The attacks are uncalled for. The police are to protect lives and property. It’s not proper for anybody to take laws into their hands and start burning down police formations and killing policemen. We rely on the police for security at all times. They are there to protect us and ensure our safety. The destruction and killings should be condemned by all.
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Henrietta Ashikodi, 45, Business woman, Abia State
This is a new trend and it is not healthy for the South East region. What’s more worrisome is that the identities of the perpetrators are yet to be unveiled. IPOB has constantly come out to deny the attacks. So, who is behind the attack? As a country, we can’t survive the destruction of public property and the killing of security personnel.
Tony Abolo, 78, Lecturer, Benin
All we hear is unknown gunmen, we are running a government where security and intelligence gathering is not taken as a priority. The attack keeps happening and we don’t know those behind it. Some say it is IPOB, others say it is herdsmen. The Imo State government says it is disgruntled politicians. Can we have three theories of crime at once? Well, since IGP is not ready to tell us who is doing it, all I can is that it is sad.
Isah Ismaila, 27, Business Development Officer, Abuja
Since the #ENDSARS protest around October last year, the major aftermath of the protest is the increased attacks on Nigerian policemen. The situation is getting out of hand as the attack is on the increase. The perpetrators of these heinous acts are sending negative signals about the security architecture of the country. Both federal and state governments should deploy strategies to halt the crimes before the unscrupulous elements dent our international image. The police must continue to protect themselves as well as the country for the purpose of peace and unity.
Dr Zakiyyu Muhammad, 32, Public Prosecutor, Jigawa
The incessant attacks are tantamount to daring the government. Can they do what they are doing outside their territories? It is obvious that the terrorist organizations are coming from this angle to attract the government’s attention. I don’t want to give this scenario any form of religious colouration. Be that as it may, attacking security outfit in whatever form means daring the strength of the government. Government should deal with the situation ruthlessly.
Olatosimi Fadahunsi, 25, Digital Marketer, Lagos
It would be preposterous to deny that there is an ongoing division in the country which calls for serious attention. While the state governments are trying their best to bring the situation under control, the language at the federal level is not encouraging. Nobody should hold the nation to ransom. Beyond the use of force, the Federal Government has to find a sustainable means to unite the country.
Michael Sule, 42, Enterpreneur, Lokoja
The current killings in the South East are not politically motivated. It is just a symptom of a failed state where people don’t trust the government anymore. So, they take the laws into their hands because they have lost hope of justice. People are being ravaged by poverty. The youth, in particular, have lost hope in the Nigerian project. Unemployment and high inflation rate have destroyed the economy. It is the awry situations that are pushing the agitators into carrying arms.
Patrick Titus, 50, journalist, Uyo
It is a sad development. In whatever way one may look at it, security is important for the stability of society. So, a group of people attacking on police stations is an act of insanity. Attacks on police stations and security men underscore the level of insecurity in Nigeria. If the police cannot defend themselves and their facilities, how can they defend ordinary citizens?
Francis Ogbuagu, 48, Journalist, Benin
Well, just like every other Nigerian, the insecurity across the country is disturbing. The presence of government isn’t felt anywhere. I pray this does not sink the ship of the state at the end of the day.
Uko Etim, 30, student, Uyo
The constant attacks on police formations in the South East have political undertones because there is no clear reasons why youths should be attacking police formations and stealing guns. I think the target is the 2023 general elections. They might want to use stolen guns to cause mayhem and disrupt the elections. The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency re-strategize the security machinery in the country to curb these incessant attacks on government security agencies for the betterment of the citizenry.
Chidimma C. Okeke, Abuja, Usman Bello Balarabe, Kano, Eyo Charles, Calabar, Usman Bello, Benin, Iniabasi Umo, Uyo, Linus Effiong, Abia State
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