Deteriorating security situation can lead to state of emergency, Peace Institute warns

The World Institute for Peace (WIP), on Monday, raised the alarm that deteriorating security situation could degenerate into a state of emergency if security agencies fail to act decisively before the forthcoming governorship election in Osun and general elections next year.

It specifically linked the current political imbroglio in Osun, conflicts in Borno, Adamawa and Kebbi to a broader national pattern of politician-sponsored violence, saying unchecked thuggery had fuelled deeper instability across the country.

The Executive Director WIP, Lamina Omotoyosi, gave the warning shortly after they submitted petitions to the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services and the Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Daily Trust reports that Borno State has consistently witnessed a series of violent attacks including abduction of school children by members of Boko Haram terrorists. Over 10 lives have also been lost in Osun. Speaking to journalists, Omotoyosi urged the security agencies’ head to take urgent steps to rein in political thuggery across the country, saying several persons had been murdered in recent months in circumstances linked to political rivalry.

He said the petitions were necessitated by growing concerns over a fresh wave of politically motivated violence sweeping through Osun State, where, he said, several persons had been murdered in recent months in circumstances linked to political rivalry.

“If the political thuggery that is going on or that is rocking our dear state Osun, if the security agencies refuse to put an end to it, I want to tell you that it may resort to a kind of state of emergency,” he warned.

He noted that in 2022, political violence in Osun claimed more than 30 lives, a tragedy he said appeared to be repeating itself ahead of the coming election cycle.

UPDATE NEWS:

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder,

click here to find out how it works.