Minister Matawalle: Only God Can End Insecurity

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, said that only God can ultimately end the country’s security crisis, given the current challenges.

For years, Nigeria has faced a resurgence of violence, with killings and abductions in various regions that have displaced many people from their homes.

Gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, taking 39 students and seven teachers hostage. In Borno State, armed groups raided schools in Mussa, Askira‑Uba Local Government Area, abducting 42 pupils.

Speaking to BBC Hausa, Matawalle explained that insecurity remains a national problem that requires joint action from security agencies and citizens.

He urged Nigerians to support the government and security forces, to pray for peace, and warned politicians against exploiting the situation for political gain, which would only deepen the suffering of the majority of Nigerians.

“It is disheartening for the country to find itself in such circumstances,” he said. “Everyone must rise together to ensure that security agencies and the public work in concert to end insecurity.”

He added, “Insecurity does not discriminate based on political affiliation or religion. It can affect anyone.”

The minister called on the opposition to stop using insecurity to stir up the populace, stressing that the problem can affect any Nigerian and that no one is immune.

He criticized some opposition figures who, according to him, seem pleased with the situation because they prioritize portraying the government as a failure for their own political interests, misleading the public into thinking they alone can solve the problem.

Matawalle emphasized, “Only God 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 also noted that old and misleading videos are being circulated on social media to suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is failing. He reminded viewers that insecurity is not an isolated issue; security operatives are working around the clock to dismantle terrorist networks that continue to launch attacks across the country.