Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has stated that while the nation grapples with persistent security threats, ultimate resolution hinges on divine intervention. In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, he emphasized that the battle against insecurity requires not only collective human effort but also prayers to God.
The country has seen a surge in violent attacks, including school abductions and displacement of communities. For instance, armed assailants attacked three schools in Oyo State, kidnapping 39 students and seven teachers. Similarly, in Borno State, 42 pupils were taken from their school in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
Matawalle described insecurity as a national crisis demanding collaboration between security agencies and the public. He urged citizens to back the government and security forces, and to pray for peace. He cautioned politicians against using the situation to score political points, stressing that insecurity does not discriminate by political affiliation or religion.
The minister expressed dismay over the country’s security predicament, calling for unity to ensure that security operatives and citizens work together to overcome the challenge. He noted that no Nigerian is happy about the situation, and opposition members should stop exploiting it to incite the public.
He lamented that some opposition figures seem pleased with the crisis, as they care more about painting the government as a failure for their political gain. Matawalle reiterated that only God can bring an end to the insecurity, alongside collective prayers and efforts. He warned against circulating old and misleading videos to suggest the failure of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, clarifying that insecurity is not unique to Nigeria and that security forces are working tirelessly to crush terrorists.