NDD Slams Rising Insecurity, Accuses Politicians of Insensitivity

The Network for Democracy and Development (NDD), a prominent national civil society organisation, has strongly condemned the recent spike in insecurity across Nigeria, describing it as a dangerous escalation that threatens national stability.

In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Tajudeen Alabede, and General Secretary, Muhammad Jameel Muhammad, the group expressed deep concern over the suicide bombing in Borno State and the killings of innocent citizens in Benue and Plateau States, citing them as alarming indicators of worsening insecurity.

“The suicide bombing in Borno State as well as the killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in Benue and Plateau States a few days ago, among others, constitute a further strain on the polity that is already beset by protracted challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, sundry killings by the so-called unknown gunmen, communal crises, and widespread vandalism of economic infrastructure in different parts of the country,” the statement read.

While the group commended the efforts of security forces in combating terrorism in the North East and banditry in the North West, it insisted that the current security strategy is inadequate.

“The gravity of the current state of insecurity points to an urgent need for a genuine and comprehensive overhaul of the extant national strategy to make Nigeria safe again,” the NDD stated.

The organisation also took a swipe at Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of detachment and insensitivity in the face of national tragedy. It criticised ongoing political maneuvering and celebration of defections ahead of the 2027 elections, describing them as tone-deaf to the suffering of Nigerians.

“Nigeria’s political leaders carry on their partisan activities as if nothing serious is happening around us. This insensitivity and detachment from the unsavory reality is egregious.”

“The well-orchestrated scheming towards the 2027 general elections, loud celebrations of cross-carpeting across party lines, and the deafening noise churned out by the well-oiled propaganda machines dwarf the messages of grief and commiseration,” the group noted.

Calling for urgent and patriotic leadership, the NDD urged a shift away from political spectacle to genuine governance.

“A time like this calls for sober reflection, a sense of urgency, and serious, patriotic efforts at governance, not putting up political spectacles to entertain the hapless masses. Partisan politics can wait. Nigerians earnestly yearn for good governance.”

The statement concluded with prayers for the victims and a hopeful plea for national healing.

“May God grant rest to the dead, heal the wounded, comfort their families and restore peace to our land. God bless Nigeria!”