Letter to PMB on Northwest security

By Salisu Isah Ahmed

Sir: I pray that this message reaches you in good faith and health.

It is tempting to believe that the prevailing insecurity situation that has engulfed the Northwest states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina for more than a year now is beyond what the state governments and those in charge of security in the states can handle. This ruthless activities of the bandits started in one state in the north; it has now spread to three additional states and still it is yet to be curtailed.

The blood of hundreds to thousands of innocent Nigerians have been shed and we are still counting. Our dear president, remember the day you were sworn in, you took an oath that you will protect the lives and secure properties of Nigerians. I think this time is the best time for a prompt action before the situation goes beyond what we are seeing. The existence of an active government and military presence is not really felt in these states. The actions of the bandits define security situations where nobody is in control. Mr. President, we still believe you have a goodwill for Nigeria, but your steps towards addressing these issues are not enough. We need you to do more.

I am not a security expert to suggest what should be done, but what I know is if those considered as experts are not giving the required results, they should be changed. And I will like to suggest that if this security situation continues, the government should declare a state of emergency in these states, before a coalition of rivals form a government in the country. The state of emergency should cause a comprehensive overall of the security agencies.  The commissioner of police, all DPO’s and every other agency of security currently in charge have run out of ideas on what to do. May God give you good health, and the ability to deliver.

• Salisu Isah Ahmed,

<salisuisahahmed@gmail.com