National Security Crisis: Yoruba Union Urges President Tinubu to Shelve Holiday Plans Amid Rising Abductions
The Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has issued a stern condemnation of President Bola Tinubu’s reported decision to observe the Christmas and New Year holidays with his family. The group argues that such a move is inappropriate while numerous Nigerians, including abducted ECWA Church worshippers from Ayetoro Kiri in Kogi State, remain in the custody of bandits. The union described the situation as morally disturbing, stating, “The President appears comfortable taking a holiday with his family while hundreds of innocent citizens are being held in the dens of bandits and terrorists across the country.”
The group highlighted a perceived detachment between the nation’s leadership and the daily hardships of its citizens, particularly regarding the escalating security crisis. Highlighting the plight of victims from various states, the union noted that the contrast between government privilege and public suffering is stark. They remarked, “Public office holders move with heavy security details, fly private jets, and celebrate holidays in comfort, while the people who fund the state through their taxes are kidnapped, raped, killed, or forced to sell their life savings to raise ransom.”
Challenging the President to demonstrate genuine empathy, the union questioned how he would react if his own relatives were targeted by terrorists. They asserted that the same level of urgency used for political elites should be extended to every Nigerian, regardless of their status. The union stated, “As the father of the nation, how would he feel if his own children or grandchildren were abducted and held by terrorists? He would undoubtedly deploy every available resource— military, intelligence, and diplomatic — to secure their freedom.”
The organization also criticized the government’s reliance on routine assurances, which they believe have failed to restore public trust. They urged the President to take decisive action by declaring a state of emergency on insecurity and visiting affected communities instead of retreating for the holidays. They argued, “If the President truly values Nigerian lives, he would shelve any holiday plans and devote this period to confronting the insecurity crisis head-on,” adding that “Leadership demands sacrifice, especially at a time when the nation is bleeding.”
Ultimately, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá warned that the lack of accountability has emboldened criminal elements, leaving families to bankrupt themselves to pay ransoms. They called for an immediate shift in strategy, demanding that the President issue firm directives to dismantle terrorist networks and rescue those in captivity. They concluded by emphasizing the core responsibility of the state, noting, “Nigeria cannot move forward while its citizens live at the mercy of bandits. The primary duty of government is the protection of lives and property. Failure to fulfil this duty threatens the very foundation of the state
