Former Presidential Candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has warned that terrorism and mass kidnappings cannot be effectively tackled in Nigeria amid official denial, suppression of facts, and alleged intimidation of affected communities.
Hashim made the assertion while reacting to the abduction of over 170 persons in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to him, no amount of international intervention would yield results if local authorities remain compromised or complicit.
“No matter the level of international action against terrorism, Nigeria will not get results as long as local authorities are compromised and complicit,” he said.
The former Presidential Candidate also expressed concern over what he described as the intimidation of victim communities, noting that affected populations are often pressured into silence rather than adequately protected by the authorities.
Hashim linked the development to increased international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation following the United States’ Christmas Day airstrikes on terrorist locations in northern Nigeria.
He alleged that the period after the strikes witnessed further attacks which were concealed by officials, citing reports from Kebbi State where terrorists reportedly killed at least nine persons about a week after the U.S. operation.
Hashim warned that unless official denial, suppression of information, and alleged complicity are confronted decisively, Nigeria’s security challenges will persist, regardless of foreign assistance or military intervention.
PR: Adamu Yusuf
