When Will the Bloodlettings in Nigeria Stop? -By Tochukwu Jimo Obi

The latest wave of violence in Nigeria has once again exposed the fragility of the nation’s security framework. The unfortunate killing of scores of innocent people at Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, raises troubling questions about the seriousness and effectiveness of the country’s security architecture. For many Nigerians, this is no longer shocking news, it is a grim and recurring reality.

The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday night, March 29, 2026, around 7:50 p.m., plunged the community into chaos. Residents fled in panic as sustained gunfire echoed through the area, leaving behind a trail of death, destruction, and trauma. What should have been a quiet evening of reflection and worship turned into a nightmare that will linger in the memories of survivors for years to come.

Even more disturbing is the fact that this tragedy did not come without warning. Reports indicate that the attackers had previously issued threats, explicitly stating that violence would follow the end of Ramadan. Despite this intelligence, and despite a few arrests reportedly made by security agencies, the attack was not prevented. This failure highlights a dangerous gap between intelligence gathering and actionable response.

The horror in Jos is not an isolated incident. Across the country, from Kaduna State to Zamfara State and Niger State, similar killings continue to occur with alarming frequency. Communities are repeatedly attacked, lives are cut short, and families are left shattered. This is one killing too many in a nation already burdened by years of insecurity.

At its core, the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. In Nigeria, this fundamental duty has, for years, remained largely unfulfilled. Citizens increasingly feel abandoned, forced to navigate daily life under the constant threat of violence, kidnapping, and loss.

Every day, lives are lost in ways that are both avoidable and unacceptable. Many others are abducted and held for ransom, often with little or no meaningful intervention from authorities. The normalization of these incidents has created a climate of fear and helplessness, eroding public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its people.

A recurring pattern in these attacks further deepens the frustration. Armed assailants, often arriving on motorbikes, strike swiftly and escape without resistance. This raises a critical question: why have security agencies been unable to comprehensively identify these attackers, trace their origins, and dismantle their networks? Reactive responses after each attack are no longer sufficient; what is needed is a proactive, intelligence-driven strategy that takes the fight to the perpetrators.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu must treat this crisis with the urgency it demands. The continued bloodshed of innocent Nigerians is unacceptable. Decisive action, backed by political will and operational efficiency, is needed to restore confidence and ensure safety across the country.

If necessary, the government should not hesitate to seek foreign assistance to strengthen its security capabilities. There is no shame in collaboration when the lives of citizens are at stake. Enough of these killings and abductions.
Nigerians deserve peace, security, and the assurance that their government will stand firmly in defense of their lives.

Tochukwu Jimo Obi, a concerned Nigerian writes from Obosi Idemili LGA in Anambra State.