Opinion
Bomb Blasts, Too Many
It goes without saying that in the past few years, the perpetrators of gang violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, assassination, religious crisis, community conflicts, terrorism, and other forms of heinous crime and insecurity have gone wild in Nigeria. As I watched the gory news on the bomb explosions at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State; Jos, Plateau State; and Damaturu, Yobe State on the Christmas Day, December 25, 2011, I stared round-eyed in wonder and with indignation.
Infact, my eyes turned bright with unshed tears as I saw fellow human beings including several families roasted like animals by the inferno that followed the bomb blast. Watching the film clip, my conjecture was that over 100 persons, 25 vehicles, and at least 20 houses were consumed by the explosions that rocked the Madalla Catholic Church. But according to the Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Labraran Ahman on the date of the ill-fated incident: “so many people were affected. By our account, 25 people died, although we had many mutilated bodies. But out of the 25, we had 19 bodies intact and about six mutilated. But the casualty figure may increase”.
There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigerians have become weary over the worsening barbaric and dispiriting security situation in the country.
As leaders and other well-meaning individuals joined Nigerians on October 1, last year to celebrate the country’s golden Jubilee independence anniversary, Abuja was bombed by a group which claimed to be the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). Since then, the spate of bombing especially in the Northern parts of the country has continued to rise unabated to the bewilderment of the people and government of the federation.
Today, the Islamic sect called Bokom Haram has swamped the Nigerian state with violence and other acts of insecurity, claiming responsibility for the bombings of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Suleja, the Louis Edet House Police Headquarters in Abuja, the UN building in Abuja, churches, market stalls, recreational centres, wedding ceremonies, and several other public places and establishments. The dreaded group has also been reported to have attacked some civil rights activists, religious and political leaders and other innocent citizens with guns, cudgels and other weapons.
Apparently, the appointment of a seven-man committee by the Federal Government in July this year to proffer solution to the security challenges facing the nation especially the North-East Zone of the country has become a futile exercise.
The committee headed by Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari submitted its report on September 26 with several recommendations, some of which were that government should dialogue with the sect, rehabilitate its members, and generate employment in the zone.
Yes, the country has experienced several violent conflicts that have threatened its peace, unity, and security in the past. Many Nigerians still remember the Ife-Modakeke feud that was re-ignited by party politics in 1979, the Zangon Kataf crisis that broke out in 1992 following a decision to relocate the market in the area, the Maitatsine riots of 1980 in Kano, and several other community clashes, religious conflicts and urban violence that have caused terrible political and socio-economic damage to the country. But the colours, shapes, and sizes of these crises differ significantly from the deadly rampage of Boko Haram which has continued to spread like the harmattan fire across the northern states of the country.
And even as the hideous operations of Boko Haram are hitting mainly the North now, the entire country has been gripped by the horror and menace of the murderous group which claims to be an Islamic sect.
The horror is real because the group appears to be increasing in their spread and membership and it is hitting its targets with ease and professional efficiency. And the northern elders and leaders who are expected to call the group to order appear not to be doing so because of fear of being attacked or killed by the terrorists.
Besides, it has been widely reported that members of the Boko Haram sect have been receiving training and support from international terrorist organisations including al-Qaeda.
In fact, the al-Qaeda late leader, Osama Bin Laden, who was killed on May 1, this year in Abbottab, Pakistan by an American strike force was said to have some adherents in Nigeria.
But why has Nigeria become a fertile ground for terrorism, religious crises, militancy, kidnapping, and other grusesome acts of insecurity?
Nigeria is a plural society with numerous ethnic nationalities and several religious and political beliefs. Thus, the country is bound to have one form of crisis or the other.
But experts in crimes and economic development studies posit that a country’s crime rate is a function of its level of political and socio-economic development. This is to say that as long as Nigeria remains poor with an army of unemployed youths, deprived rural people, and several agitated groups who are looking for an improved condition of living, it will continue to breed all sorts of crimes including armed robbery, assault, assassination, kidnapping, militancy, and bombing.
So in the final analysis, it is rapid industrialisation targetted at addressing the problems of rural poverty, illiteracy, youth unemployment, infrastructural decay, etc. that can extricate the country from its quagmire of full spate of crisis and insecurity.
In the short run, it has become imperative for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration to come up with multi-agency strategy to deal with the security challenge of the land. This will involve consultation, cooperation, and interdependency among the various security agencies, the media, community development committees, youth bodies, clubs, associations, traditional rulers, political leaders and other well-meaning individuals across the country.
It behoves all patriots to rise now to the challenge of democratic consolidation and peaceful co-existence in the Nigerian nation.
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.