Editorial
Bringing Angbashim’s Killers To Justice
Criminality reached an unprecedented level when a group of deadly cultists in Ahoada East Local Government Area committed a gruesome murder. On the fateful day of Friday, 8th September, 2023, Superintendent of Police Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division in Rivers State, fell victim to their brutality. Shockingly, the hardened criminals did not stop at taking his life; they mutilated his body most horrifically. Engaging in a grotesque display of self-adulation, the killers danced and rejoiced, further exacerbating the atrocity committed. This act is not only heart-wrenching but also an assault on our shared humanity.
Angbashim’s killing has caused a wave of panic and garnered condemnation throughout the state. The perpetrators, believed to be members of the Iceland cult, meticulously planned an ambush targeting the late DPO and his team during an operation to raid criminal hideouts in the area. Reports suggest that the cultists were armed with four highly advanced weapons and immediately opened fire upon spotting the police officers. While the other members of the team retreated and fled, Angbashim valiantly stood his ground and fought until his last breath.
Reacting, the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, denounced the incident and called upon the security agencies in the state to apprehend the perpetrators. Specifically, he has tasked them with capturing the prime suspect, Gift Okpara Okpolowu, to send a clear message that the state would not tolerate criminal activities. Speaking at a press briefing held after an emergency Security Council meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt on September 10, 2023, Fubara sympathised with the Nigerian Police and the family of the deceased officer.
In an audacious display of determination to eradicate criminal activities, the governor has taken decisive action by offering a substantial bounty of N100 million for any valuable information leading to the arrest of the main suspect. “It is really unfortunate that in our state where we are doing everything to reduce crime rate, a group of miscreants portray the state as being unsafe. We honestly feel very sad over this incident. As a government, we will not rest until whoever is responsible for this act is brought to book.
“We have gone further to show our commitment to this issue by placing a bounty on the criminals and also suspending the traditional ruler of that locality. We will do everything on our part to ensure we get to the end of this matter; we must get him at all costs. Rivers State has never and will not be a home of criminality. I believe that the calibre of men that are heading the security unit of the state will do everything within their powers to settle these matters,” Fubara said.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has strongly condemned the murder of Angbashim and has taken swift action by ordering the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this heinous act. Egbetokun described the event as not only an affront to our national status but also a clear reflection of a lack of patriotism and a gross violation of the law. Similarly, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, says he is determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. He assured that an investigation into the tragic event was on.
We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family of SP Angbashim and all those affected by the distressing incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with the governor, Police High Command, and Nigerians in vehemently condemning this barbaric act. The police should act swiftly to apprehend those responsible for the crime. They should ensure that justice was served in this case, providing solace to the grieving family and demonstrating that such acts will not be tolerated.
Security agencies should perceive the actions of these troublemakers as a call to action. We commend the police for their swift response in arresting six suspects within a short time, although we are aware that the mastermind, Okpolowu, and his accomplices may still be at large. We acknowledge that security agencies possess the capability to swiftly eradicate criminal elements from society, provided they approach the battle against criminality with utmost seriousness.
Criminals coexist with residents and natives within villages and communities, and their identities are commonly known by all, including traditional rulers, opinion leaders, youth, and women leaders. Consequently, protecting and enabling them to escape apprehension and legal consequences is equivalent to endorsing the criminalisation and militarisation of these communities. Such actions undermine the principles of justice and security, posing a threat to the overall well-being and stability of the affected areas.
The Tide supports the governor’s decision to suspend Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi as Eze Igbu Akoh II. This action sends a strong message that no one, regardless of their position or title, is above the law. Traditional rulers in all communities, especially those plagued by criminal activities such as cultism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, should step up and provide reliable information to the security agencies. This collaborative effort can assist in curbing the menace of criminal elements in the state.
The Rivers Zero Crime Campaign initiative is an effective approach to combatting crime and ensuring the safety and security of the state. However, its success relies heavily on the collaboration between security agencies and stakeholders. Without a peaceful and crime-free environment, sustainable development becomes unattainable, and people cannot sleep with a sense of security. In the past, under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike, the establishment of surveillance and tactical centres greatly contributed to the reduction of crime across the state. Governor Fubara should sustain and build upon this model.
Editorial
Benue Killings: Beyond Tinubu’s Visit

The recent massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, ranks among Nigeria’s deadliest attacks of
2025. While official figures put the death toll at 59, media reports and Amnesty International estimate between 100 and 200 fatalities. This atrocity extends a decade-long pattern of violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where Beacon Security data records 1,043 deaths in Benue alone between May 2023 and May 2025.
President Tinubu’s visit on 18 June—four days after the 14 June attack—has drawn sharp criticism for its lateness. This delay echoes a history of inadequate responses, with Human Rights Watch documenting similar inaction in Plateau and Kaduna states since 2013, fuelling a culture of impunity. The attack lasted over two hours without meaningful security intervention, despite claims of swift action.
The violence bore hallmarks of genocide, with survivors recounting systematic house burnings and executions. More than 2.2 million people have been displaced in the region since 2019 due to comparable attacks. Data show Benue’s agricultural output falls by 0.21 per cent in crops and 0.31 per cent in livestock for every 1 per cent rise in violence.
Security forces continue to underperform. No arrests were made following the Easter attacks in April (56 killed) or May’s Gwer West massacre (42 killed). During his visit, Tinubu questioned publicly why no suspects had been detained four days after Yelewata, highlighting entrenched accountability failures.
The roots of the conflict are complex, with climate change pushing northern herders south and 77 per cent of Benue’s population reliant on agriculture. A Tiv community leader described the violence as “calculated land-grabbing” rather than mere clashes, with over 500 deaths recorded since 2019.
Government interventions have largely fallen short. The 2018 federal task force and 2025 Forest Guards initiative failed to curb violence. Tinubu’s newly announced committee of ex-governors and traditional rulers has been met with scepticism given the litany of past unkept promises.
The economic fallout is severe. Benue’s status as Nigeria’s “food basket” is crumbling as farms are destroyed and farmers displaced. This worsens the nation’s food crisis, with hunger surges in 2023-2024 directly linked to farming disruptions caused by insecurity.
Citizens demanding justice have been met with force; protesters faced police tear gas, and the State Assembly conceded total failure in safeguarding lives, admitting that the governor, deputy, and 32 lawmakers had all neglected their constitutional responsibilities.
The massacre has drawn international condemnation. Pope Leo XIV decried the “terrible massacre,” while the UN called for an investigation. The hashtag “200 Nigerians” trended worldwide on X, with many contrasting Nigeria’s slow response to India’s swift action following a plane crash with similar fatalities.
Nigeria’s centralised security system is clearly overwhelmed. A single police force is tasked with covering 36 states and 774 local government areas for a population exceeding 200 million. Between 2021 and 2023 alone, 29,828 killings and 15,404 kidnappings were recorded nationally. Proposals for state police, floated since January 2025, remain stalled.
Other populous nations offer alternative models. Canada’s provincial police, India’s state forces, and Indonesia’s municipal units demonstrate the effectiveness of decentralised policing. Nigeria’s centralised structure creates intelligence and response gaps, worsened by the distance—both physical and bureaucratic—from Abuja to affected communities.
The immediate aftermath is dire: 21 IDP camps in Benue are overwhelmed, and a humanitarian crisis is deepening. The State Assembly declared three days of mourning (18-20 June), but survivors lack sufficient medical aid. Tragically, many of those killed were already displaced by earlier violence.
A lasting solution requires a multi-pronged approach, including targeted security deployment, regulated grazing land, and full enforcement of Benue’s 2017 Anti-Open Grazing Law. The National Economic Council’s failure to prioritise state police in May 2025 represents a missed chance for reform.
Without decisive intervention, trends suggest conditions will worsen. More than 20,000 Nigerians have been killed and 13,000 kidnapped nationwide in 2025 alone. As Governor Hyacinth Alia stressed during Tinubu’s visit, state police may be the only viable path forward. All 36 states have submitted proposals supporting decentralisation—a crucial step towards breaking Nigeria’s vicious cycle of violence.
Editorial
Responding To Herders’ Threat In Rivers

Editorial
Democracy Day: So Far…

Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 marked a watershed moment in the nation’s political history. After enduring nearly 16 years of successive military dictatorships, Nigerians embraced a new era of civil governance with the inauguration of President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999. Since then, the country has sustained a democratic system for 26 years. But, this democratic journey has been a complex mix of progress and persistent challenges.
The formal recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged a long-standing injustice. The annulment of the 1993 presidential election, Nigeria’s freest, betrayed the democratic aspirations of millions. That it took decades to honour this date reflects the nation’s complex relationship with its democratic memory.
One of the most momentous successes of Nigeria’s democracy has been the uninterrupted civilian rule over the last two and a half decades. The country has witnessed seven general elections, with power transferring peacefully among different political parties. This is particularly notable considering that prior to 1999, no civilian government had completed a full term without military intervention. The peaceful transitions in 2007, 2015, and 2023 are testaments to Nigeria’s evolving democratic maturity.
Electoral participation, while uneven, has also reflected a level of democratic engagement. In 2003, voter turnout stood at about 69 per cent, but this figure dropped to approximately 34.75 per cent in 2023, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Although the declining turnout raises concerns, it also highlights the increasing expectations of the electorate, who demand credible and transparent elections.
Another area of progress is the growth of a vibrant and free press. Nigerian media has played a crucial role in holding governments accountable and fostering public discourse. Investigative journalism and civil society activism have exposed corruption and human rights abuses. The rise of social media has further expanded the democratic space, enabling young Nigerians to mobilise and advocate for change, as evidenced by the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
Judicial independence has seen mixed results. On one hand, the judiciary has occasionally demonstrated resilience, such as in landmark rulings that overturned fraudulent elections or curtailed executive excesses. On the other hand, allegations of political interference and corruption within the judiciary persist, undermining public confidence in the legal system’s impartiality.
Nigeria’s democracy has also facilitated the decentralisation of power through the federal system. State governments now wield some autonomy, allowing for experimentation in governance and service delivery. While this has led to innovative policies in some states, it has also entrenched patronage networks and uneven development across the federation.
Despite these successes, Nigeria’s democratic journey faces formidable problems. Electoral integrity remains a critical concern. Reports from election observers, including those from the European Union and ECOWAS, frequently highlight issues such as vote-buying, ballot box snatching, and violence. The introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results in 2023 elections showed promise, but technical glitches and alleged manipulations dampened public trust.
Corruption continues to be a pervasive issue. Nigeria ranks 145th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, with a score of 25/100. Democratic institutions meant to check graft—such as anti-corruption agencies and the legislature—often struggle due to political interference and weak enforcement mechanisms.
Security challenges have also strained Nigeria’s democracy. Insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, separatist agitations in the South East, and herder-farmer conflicts across the Middle Belt have collectively resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2024, Nigeria ranks as the eighth most impacted country by terrorism. The government’s difficulty in ensuring safety erodes public confidence in the state’s capacity and legitimacy.
The economy poses another critical remonstrance. Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita stands at approximately $2,400 as of 2024, with over 40 per cent of the population living below the national poverty line. High unemployment and inflation have fueled discontent and disillusionment with democratic governance, especially among youth. Without addressing economic grievances, the democratic dividend will remain elusive for many Nigerians.
Ethnic and religious divisions further complicate Nigeria’s democratic consolidation. Politicians often exploit identity politics for electoral gains, exacerbating social tensions. Although federal character principles aim to promote inclusiveness, they have also sometimes fostered a quota mentality rather than merit-based appointments.
Gender representation remains inadequate in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Women occupy less than 10 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, one of the lowest rates globally. Efforts to pass gender parity bills have faced stiff resistance, highlighting deep-seated cultural and institutional barriers to female political participation.
Civil liberties, while constitutionally guaranteed, are under threat. Crackdowns on protesters, restrictions on press freedom, and surveillance of activists reveal an authoritarian streak within the democratic framework. The controversial Twitter ban in 2021 exemplified the country’s willingness to curb digital freedoms, prompting domestic and international criticism.
The political crisis in Rivers State embodies broader democratic struggles. Attempts to control the state through undemocratic means expose weaknesses in federal institutions and the rule of law. Immediate restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State is vital to preserving Nigeria’s democratic integrity and institutional credibility.
Local governments remain under the control of state governors, depriving citizens of grassroots democracy. Last year’s Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy is promising, but state-level resistance threatens its implementation. Genuine autonomy would bring governance closer to the people and foster democratic innovation.
As we mark Democracy Day, we must honour the sacrifices of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Femi Falana, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Pa Alfred Rewane, President Bola Tinubu, and countless others, who fought for Nigeria’s freedom. As democracy in Nigeria continues to evolve after 26 years, this day should inspire action toward its renewal. With despotism and state failure as real threats, both citizens and leaders must take responsibility—citizens by demanding more, and leaders by delivering. Excuses are no longer acceptable.