To Justify Killings By Saying People From Other Groups Are Also Killed Is Unacceptable – Obasanjo

According to a report by Premium Times on Saturday, November 29, 2025, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised fresh concerns over the widespread insecurity affecting different parts of Nigeria, stating that the continued killings, kidnappings, and frequent attacks reveal a troubling decline in the nation’s ability to protect its citizens.

He shared these views while addressing attendees at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carols in Jos, where he highlighted the level of violence that has persisted across states over the years.

His comments reflected the growing frustration among communities that have experienced repeated assaults despite ongoing government efforts.

Obasanjo stressed that the scale of insecurity shows that Nigeria’s current security structure is struggling to deal with the threats confronting the country.

He noted that many families have been forced into mourning due to recurring incidents involving armed groups, and he emphasized that these situations demand stronger responses from leadership at all levels.

According to him, the country cannot afford to ignore the weakening capacity of its security agencies, especially as criminal activities continue to spread into more regions.

The former president also cautioned against framing the violence as a conflict between religious or ethnic groups.

He described such narratives as misleading and harmful because they distract from the real issues and deepen divisions among citizens.

Obasanjo pointed out that people from various backgrounds have suffered from these attacks, and he underscored that the identity of the victims should not be used to justify or downplay the seriousness of the violence.

His remarks followed several incidents in which communities had been targeted without regard for religious or cultural differences.

During his address, Obasanjo stated that the persistent inability of the state to stop the attacks raises the question of whether Nigeria should seek broader international assistance.

He explained that external support may help strengthen intelligence, equipment, and operational capabilities, especially in areas where local efforts have repeatedly fallen short.

He noted that insecurity has reached a point where collaboration with global partners could help reinforce ongoing efforts to protect people living in rural and urban communities.

He said, “We are being killed as Nigerians, not as Christians or Muslims, not as northerners or southerners.”

“To justify killings by saying people from other groups are also killed is unacceptable. The state must step in decisively.

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