By Jose Oby 
As Nigeria faces an alarming surge in deadly attacks across several states, prominent national voices—including military veterans, religious leaders, political figures, and civil society groups—are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a nation sliding into anarchy.
In the wake of recent violent assaults that claimed over 200 lives in Benue and Plateau States within two weeks, Nigerians have been left grappling with fear, frustration, and a growing sense of abandonment.
Among the most vocal critics is retired Defense Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, who reiterated his longstanding call for citizens to take responsibility for their own safety. Speaking at a public event in Takum, Taraba State, he declared, “We cannot sit and watch while bandits, terrorists, and criminals massacre our people. The government has failed. Nigerians must defend themselves.”
His call echoes far and wide among stakeholders urging urgent action from President Bola Tinubu, who remains abroad despite the spiraling insecurity at home.
“Nigeria Is Bleeding; Tinubu Is Missing in Action” – Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar launched a scathing attack on President Tinubu’s prolonged stay in Europe, accusing him of governing in absentia. “Leadership demands presence,” Atiku said, referencing how world leaders like Obama, Ramaphosa, and even Senator Ted Cruz cut short trips in times of national crisis.
“Tinubu’s absence during this trauma shows indifference. If he cannot act, he should at least pretend to care,” Atiku added.
“Bring Us Down from This Cross of Pain” – Kukah Pleads
In a poignant Easter message, Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese decried the nation’s descent into despair. “Hunger, violence, and hopelessness stalk the land. Nigerians are dangling on a cross of suffering,” he lamented.
Kukah accused the government of enabling marauders and warned that Nigeria was becoming a “national morgue.”
Bakare Calls for Structural Overhaul of Security System
Pastor Tunde Bakare, in his state-of-the-nation address, stressed the urgent need for decentralised, regional security architecture. “Citizens have lost trust in the government’s capacity to protect them.
We’re on a dangerous path,” he warned.
Ugorji: Nigeria Is a Nation Under Siege
CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, painted a bleak picture of the country’s existential reality: “We are celebrating Easter under a cloud of fear. Even churches are no longer safe.”
He also criticized the government’s economic policies and mounting debt burden, warning that the future of Nigeria’s younger generations was being mortgaged.
CAN, IPAC Demand Urgent Government Action
In Kebbi, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged the government to wake up to its constitutional responsibilities, warning that “divine justice awaits leaders who fail their people.”
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) called for immediate reforms, stating, “No nation can thrive when its people are living in fear. The bloodshed must stop.”