…Urge urgent government action to restore peace
The Plateau State Association in the United Kingdom (PSA-UK) has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, warning that escalating violence is inflicting severe damage on lives, livelihoods and the country’s global reputation.
Speaking at a virtual press conference monitored by BusinessDay on Friday, PSA-UK President Solomon Chollom and Publicity Secretary Sendi Zechariah said the security situation has deteriorated far beyond isolated incidents and now reflects a nationwide breakdown in safety and governance.
PSA-UK noted that the pattern of violence—ranging from mass killings to abductions and attacks on places of worship—has grown in scale and brutality over the years, spreading across nearly all regions.
“The Plateau State Association UK (PSA-UK) expresses deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria and the devastating impact it continues to have on lives, livelihoods, development and global perception of both Plateau State and the nation at large. It is alarming and heartbreaking that what began as isolated incidents decades ago has now snowballed into a nationwide catastrophe—one that has spared no region and continues to expand in scale and brutality,” the group said.
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The association criticised the Federal Government for what it described as a lack of strong political will to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of major attacks. It argued that despite armed groups—including armed Fulani herders—publicly claiming responsibility for several assaults, many attacks are still officially attributed to “unknown gunmen,” a narrative the group described as untenable.
PSA-UK added that several of these violent groups maintain visible online footprints and often issue public claims of responsibility, making the lack of decisive security action more difficult to justify. It said if security agencies lack the capacity to track and disable these networks, the government should seek international assistance.
The group cited several recent incidents that have heightened public anxiety, including the killing of a senior military officer by insurgent fighters, attacks on worshippers in Kwara State, the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, and ongoing killings and village annexations in Plateau State. It added that bandits negotiating with the government and preventing farmers from accessing their farmlands reflect a dangerous level of impunity.
While expressing support for the Nigerian Armed Forces, PSA-UK urged the military hierarchy to conduct an internal audit to assess professionalism, neutrality, readiness and training, amid growing claims of compromise in certain operations.
The association also expressed solidarity with families who have lost loved ones and with displaced persons living in camps across the country. It encouraged citizens to hold their elected leaders accountable, noting that the constitutional power to elect leaders includes the power to recall them when they fail.
In a direct appeal to the President and the Federal Government, PSA-UK stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of national leadership. It rejected attempts to shift blame to state governors, saying governors do not control the military or federal security agencies.
The group called on the Federal Government to urgently dismantle armed groups, rescue abducted citizens and rebuild public trust in security institutions. It also urged the Plateau State Government to strengthen local intelligence networks and called on the international community to increase diplomatic pressure and humanitarian support.
PSA-UK reaffirmed its solidarity with victims of violence nationwide, describing the situation as not just a security challenge but a humanitarian and moral emergency. It pledged continued advocacy for a Nigeria where communities are safe and citizens can live without fear of abduction, displacement or targeted attacks.
