Easter: Act Now or Step Aside, NGIJ Tells Security Chiefs Amid Rising Insecurity
Rashidat Olushola Okunlade Writes
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has issued a strongly worded Easter message, condemning the worsening state of insecurity across the country and calling on security chiefs to take immediate, decisive action or relinquish their positions.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild said Nigeria can no longer afford delays in addressing what it described as deep-rooted security failures.
While extending Easter greetings to Christians in Nigeria and around the world, NGIJ noted that the season marks the culmination of weeks of sacrifice, reflection, and spiritual renewal. It also acknowledged the recent conclusion of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr by Muslims, describing both observances as profound expressions of discipline, faith, and devotion.
According to the Guild, the convergence of these religious seasons offers a powerful reminder of the values of unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence that should define the Nigerian state.
However, it warned that the prevailing security situation sharply contradicts these ideals, as many communities continue to live in fear.
The Guild pointed to the recent killings in Jos as a disturbing indicator of the fragility of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that such incidents go beyond isolated tragedies and reflect systemic lapses.
Condemning the violence in strong terms, NGIJ criticised what it described as the increasing helplessness of authorities, arguing that routine condemnations and post-incident visits by officials no longer meet public expectations.
“Repeated assurances without visible outcomes only compound public frustration and deepen national grief,” the statement noted.
The Guild emphasised that every Nigerian has the right to safety—whether at home, in places of worship, or in public spaces—insisting that the protection of lives and property must remain a non-negotiable responsibility of government.
It urged security chiefs to act with urgency, deploy intelligence effectively, and deliver measurable results, warning that those unable to meet these expectations should make way for more capable leadership.
NGIJ clarified that its position is driven by a sense of moral responsibility rather than political bias, adding that the essence of Easter—sacrifice, accountability, and renewal—demands courageous leadership and tangible action.
Amid rising tensions, the Guild also called on Nigerians to resist fear and division, urging citizens to uphold unity and reject forces that seek to exploit instability.
Reaffirming its commitment to investigative journalism, NGIJ pledged to continue holding those in power accountable while amplifying the voices of victims often overlooked in national discourse.
The Guild concluded by stressing that hope must be matched with action, urging the nation to confront its security challenges with urgency and resolve.
