By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that the Federal Government is no longer able to protect Nigerians from persistent killings and insecurity, insisting that the country has every right to seek international assistance.
Obasanjo spoke on Friday at the Plateau Unity Christmas and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Dwei-Du, Jos South Local Government Area.
He lamented that despite years of attacks across the country, those responsible continue to operate freely even though modern technology can easily detect and neutralise them. According to him, the tools to track killers through satellites, drones, and other intelligence assets have existed for years.
The former President said no administration can offer excuses for Nigerians dying daily, stressing that the responsibility of any government begins with protecting lives. He argued that it is “nonsensical” to justify the killings based on tribe, region, or religion.
“We are Nigerians, no matter where we come from or what we believe. We are being killed, and our government seems incapable of protecting us,” he said, adding that every lost life is a national shame.
Obasanjo insisted that Nigeria must not apologise for calling for international intervention if the government cannot meet its primary duty. He criticised those defending the government’s inaction, saying their arguments lack logic or moral justification.
He also accused authorities of negotiating with criminals and even paying them, only to later deny it an approach he described as dangerous and unsustainable. He recalled that before leaving office, Nigeria already had the capacity to track criminals anywhere in the country.
“With drones you can see them all and take them out. Why are we not doing that? Why are we apologising? Why are we negotiating?” he asked.
The elder statesman stressed that ending the killings is a collective task that demands the involvement of people of goodwill across Nigeria and even beyond. He said prayers must be accompanied by action, courage, and pressure on leaders to fulfil their responsibilities.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, in his remarks, said citizens must unite to overcome division and insecurity. He noted that lack of unity has limited the progress the state and the country should be making.
Mutfwang urged Plateau people to abandon issues that divide them and focus on the values that bind them together, insisting that unity remains the foundation for peace and development.