On March 14, tragedy struck as 17 officers and men of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi, met their untimely demise in the Okuama community of the Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State. This devastating incident stemmed from a longstanding and deeply rooted land dispute between the Okuama and Okoloba communities, escalating into a violent confrontation that claimed precious lives.
Among the fallen were distinguished soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, two majors, and a captain, whose promising careers were tragically cut short during what were purported to be peace negotiations gone awry. The aftermath of this senseless violence has plunged Okuama into turmoil, with a military siege ensuing and resulting in the destruction of homes and the loss of at least 50 lives, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning.
The 67 souls lost in the Okuama crisis are part of a larger national tragedy, with 6,931 lives claimed by insecurity across the country in the past ten months since President Bola Tinubu assumed office. This toll, staggering in its magnitude, is reminiscent of the challenges faced during the first ten months of past administrations, including former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, whose records were meticulously documented by the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST).
However, the accuracy of the figures under Tinubu’s administration is based on media reports, potentially leading to underestimations due to underreporting. Despite this, the gravity of the situation is undeniable, with recurring attacks by bandits and militia groups wreaking havoc across various states, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the abduction of countless others.
From the Zamfara to the North-East and North-Central regions, no corner of the country has been spared from the scourge of violence. Even the South-East, South-South, and parts of the South-West grapple with the menace of unknown gunmen, criminal gangs, and armed herdsmen, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the populace.
As communities reel from the devastation, leaders like Chief lorbee Ihagh of the Benue Ethnic Leaders and President General of Mzough U Tiv, MUT, worldwide, speak out against the brutality inflicted on innocent lives. Their voices echo the collective anguish and demand for justice in the face of such senseless bloodshed.
With each passing day, the urgency to address these security challenges grows, as the Nigerian people yearn for peace and security in their homes and communities. It is a call to action for leaders at all levels of government to prioritize the safety and well-being of their citizens, ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated and that those responsible are brought to justice.
In Jonathan’s initial tenure spanning ten months, the toll of lives lost unfolded as follows:
– May 2011: 29
– June 2011: 59
– July 2011: 94
– August 2011: 131
– September 2011: 109
– October 2011: 72
– November 2011: 254
– December 2011: 348
– January 2012: 418
– February 2012: 226
– March 2012: 319
– Total: 2,059
During Buhari’s first ten months in office, the grim tally of fatalities was as follows:
– May 2015: 767
– June 2015: 808
– July 2015: 1,299
– August 2015: 790
– September 2015: 514
– October 2015: 826
– November 2015: 510
– December 2015: 809
– January 2016: 484
– February 2016: 1,076
– March 2016: 468
– Total: 8,356
Under Tinubu’s administration within ten months, the tragic loss of lives unfolded thus:
– May 2023: 587
– June 2023: 690
– July 2023: 620
– August 2023: 682
– September 2023: 527
– October 2023: 621
– November 2023: 869
– December 2023: 837
– January 2024: 666
– February 2024: 1,374
– March 2024: 432
– Total: 6,931
Northern Senators kick
Senators hailing from the 19 Northern states alongside the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have banded together under the banner of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) to issue a resounding denouncement of the distressing surge in violence and abductions sweeping through the northern region. Spearheaded by their Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Katsina Central, these legislators have made a steadfast commitment to rectify the alarming security situation and ensure that the perpetrators of these egregious acts face the full weight of justice.
In a meticulously crafted statement disseminated to the press, Senator Yar’Adua articulated the profound disquiet felt by the Northern Senators Forum in light of the recent upsurge in violent incidents unfolding across Kaduna State and beyond. With a somber tone, he lamented the grim series of events that have unfolded, including the brazen abduction of hundreds of innocent students and staff members from educational institutions, the despicable assault on worshippers at sacred places of worship, and a litany of other abductions and violent acts that have left communities reeling in fear and anguish.
The Northern Senators, cognizant of the gravity of the situation, stand in solidarity with the affected communities and have pledged their unwavering support to restore peace and security to the region. Recognizing the urgent need for decisive action, they have called for swift and resolute intervention to address these atrocities and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Moreover, in response to the escalating violence, the National Assembly has convened numerous high-level meetings with security chiefs to strategize and chart a course of action to stem the tide of bloodshed. President Tinubu, too, has issued repeated directives to security agencies, urging them to redouble their efforts in restoring peace and safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
However, despite these concerted efforts, the Northern Senators remain vigilant and steadfast in their resolve to monitor the situation closely. They remain committed to advocating for robust measures to quell the violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens residing in the northern region.
