MATAWALLE: ONLY GOD CAN ULTIMATELY END NIGERIA’S INSECURITY. (PHOTO).

 Matawalle: Only God Can Ultimately End Nigeria’s Insecurity

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has said that only God can ultimately bring an end to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges, while stressing the need for collective efforts by security agencies and citizens to restore peace across the country.

Matawalle made the remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa amid renewed security concerns in parts of the country, including recent attacks and abductions in Oyo and Borno states.

Between May 15 and 17, gunmen reportedly attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers. In Borno State, armed groups also attacked schools in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, and allegedly abducted 42 pupils.

Reacting to the incidents, the minister described insecurity as a national challenge that affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation or religion.

“It’s disheartening, and we must all rise to ensure that security agencies and Nigerians work together to end insecurity in the country. Insecurity does not discriminate based on political affiliation or religion. It can affect anyone,” he said.

Matawalle urged opposition politicians to refrain from using insecurity as a political tool, accusing some of exploiting the situation to discredit the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, insecurity should not be used to score political points, stressing that collective prayers and support for security agencies are essential in addressing the challenge.

“It is only God that can bring an end to this insecurity, alongside our collective prayers and efforts. It should not be used as a tool to condemn others or score political points,” he stated.

The minister also alleged that some individuals were circulating old and misleading videos on social media in an attempt to portray the current administration as ineffective.

He claimed that some of the videos being shared were from previous administrations or other countries, including Burkina Faso and Mali, but were falsely presented as recent incidents in Nigeria.

Matawalle, however, assured Nigerians that security operatives are working tirelessly to tackle terrorism and other security threats across the country.

“Our security operatives are working tirelessly across the country. We have directed them to deal decisively with terrorists, but this is not a challenge that can disappear overnight,” he said.

He noted that insecurity is a global challenge, pointing out that even some of the world’s most powerful nations have struggled with security threats for years.

The minister appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies and praying for the country as efforts intensify to address the security situation.