A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has accused the Federal Government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property amid renewed violence across Borno, Plateau, Kaduna and Kwara states. In a statement reacting to recent attacks in these states, Hashim described the deteriorating security situation as “a national tragedy unfolding in plain sight.”
He cited the reported terrorist assault in Maiduguri, the alleged killing of over 200 residents in Woro community in Kwara State,the killings of wedding guests in Kaduna State and the death of more than 30 people in Jos, noting that the scale and frequency of the incidents suggest systemic failure within the nation’s security architecture. “This is no longer a case of isolated security breaches. What we are witnessing is a collapse of responsibility at the highest level,” he said.
Hashim criticised what he described as a pattern of official responses characterised by condolence messages and assurances without corresponding decisive action, arguing that such reactions have neither deterred perpetrators nor reassured vulnerable communities. He expressed concern over the absence of a clear, coordinated national strategy to confront armed groups, safeguard communities, and ensure justice for victims.
According to him, there is also a growing disconnect between government leadership and the realities faced by citizens, as violence persists across several regions. “Beyond condolence visits by politicians, the security high command has not presented inspiring plans to halt the killings, protect communities, or decisively confront and punish those responsible,” he said.
The PDP chieftain further alleged that global attention has shifted away from Nigeria’s security crisis, warning that continued violence risks becoming normalised if urgent steps are not taken. He therefore, called on both Nigerians and the international community to prioritise the protection of lives and take concrete action against what he described as daily massacres. “With the Iran War taking the centre stage, the world seems to have forgotten that there is an ongoing war of terror that has claimed over 8,000 lives in the past three years of the inept Bola Tinubu administration.
“Whilst officials of the administration gallivant western capitals on political and health tourism, people die everyday in scores unreported and under reported in the hand of terrorists even as the civilised world has stopped asking the Nigerian officials the tough questions.
“The initial grandstanding by the inept administration in Abuja touting renewed security initiatives has faded away as soon as international attention waned, while the Tinubu administration launches grand political efforts aimed at perpetuating itself in office” he said.
Hashim made a clarion call for patriotic Nigerians and global leaders to stand up for the people. “Nigerian lives matter too. It is time for all lovers of lives and peace within Nigeria and the world over to arise and take action to stop the daily massacres in Nigeria,” he said.
He also warned that the normalization of mass killings poses a serious threat to national stability and public confidence in government institutions. While extending condolences to victims and their families, Hashim stressed that expressions of sympathy alone are no longer sufficient.
“Condolences are no longer enough. Immediate action to stop the killings is what is needed,” he said. Meanwhile, the 2027 presidential aspirant has said that reconciliation within the PDP is still achievable despite the recent national convention by a faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Reacting to developments after the convention, Hashim maintained that the PDP cannot afford to sideline any major bloc within its structure, warning that continued division could weaken its standing as a formidable opposition force. “Nothing has changed to alter the necessity for reconciliation and unity,” he said, while calling on leaders of the contending factions to urgently resume dialogue. He, particularly, emphasised the need to harmonise the party structures in line with previous agreements.
He noted that ongoing legal proceedings at the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court provide legitimate avenues for resolving the dispute, adding that a consent judgment remains possible if political compromises are reached. He further underscored the importance of preserving the PDP’s founding ideals as an inclusive platform, urging stakeholders to prioritise unity over factional interests.
According to him, reconciliation efforts should now focus on resolving structural divisions within the party, including the existence of parallel national working committees and conflicting state structures arising from separate congresses. On the fear that internal wrangling will affect the PDP’s electoral prospects, Hashim expressed optimism that with genuine engagement and political will, the party can overcome its current challenges and restore internal stability.
