From Victor Osula, Abuja
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has assured Nigerians that the country will defeat the armed groups terrorising communities in Benue, Plateau, and other parts of the country.
Ribadu gave the assurance on Tuesday during a visit to Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Suspected armed herders recently killed over 70 residents, including farmers, in Ukum and Logo local government areas of the state.
Speaking with journalists, Ribadu said he was in Benue on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to condole with the people and reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to combating insecurity in the state.
He urged the people not to politicise the security challenges, stressing that the present administration inherited a deteriorated security situation but was working tirelessly to address it.
“The insecurity confronting Nigeria started about 15 years ago. It is not political, religious, or ethnic — it is pure criminality. This situation has persisted for too long,” Ribadu said.
He noted that Nigeria is not alone in facing such challenges, citing Sudan, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso as examples of countries grappling with insecurity and instability.
“The insecurity in Nigeria has been there since 2011, and we have lost many lives. But Nigeria is not the only country facing these issues. Sudan has no functioning government; Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are under military rule, battling similar problems,” he said.
Ribadu appealed to Nigerians to understand and support the efforts of the current administration, assuring that the government remains resolute in tackling insecurity across the country.
“We are not doing badly despite the challenges because there is no part of Nigeria under the control of bandits. The administration has done fairly well. Though insecurity is not something that can be completely solved overnight, we have made significant progress,” he added.
He emphasised that the Tinubu administration’s approach to security is different from that of previous governments, focusing on identifying and addressing root causes.
“We have a listening government. We are confronting the issues directly. It took 15 years to get here, and though it’s a process, this government is moving in the right direction compared to the past.
“Let me appeal to everyone to give us a chance. Those politicising the situation should stop. It’s not right or fair. We do not want politics to interfere,” Ribadu said.
He also commended the armed forces for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property and appealed for citizens’ support in the fight against insurgency.
