By Yinka Giwa
A key ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is undermining public confidence in the administration, even as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the gruesome killings in Jos, Plateau State, describing them as a national tragedy that demands urgent action.
The Director of News at Television Continental (TVC), Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, raised the alarm on Monday in Abuja at the launch of his book, My Life and Journalist Hangout, marking his 60th birthday.
Kolade-Otitoju, a prominent supporter of the administration, said the persistent wave of insecurity across the country is effectively “de-marketing” the government, warning that the situation risks overshadowing any progress made in other sectors.
“The insecurity is de-marketing the government of the day,” he declared, urging the Tinubu administration to urgently seek “rapid solutions,” including international support if necessary.
“I want to see a Nigeria that is secured without the fear of bandits—even if we must get help either from America or anywhere,” he said, stressing that Nigerians must be able to move freely and return to their farms without fear.
According to him, economic gains recorded by the administration would continue to be undermined as long as insecurity persists.
“Whatever the government has achieved, even in the area of the economy, people will keep pointing to insecurity,” he noted, adding that citizens will continue to lament until the issue is decisively addressed.
Despite his criticism, Kolade-Otitoju expressed confidence in the president’s ability to tackle the crisis, insisting that he remains a believer in the government and optimistic that solutions would emerge soon.
His comments came against the backdrop of fresh outrage over the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, where scores of residents were reportedly killed in a brutal assault that has reignited concerns over the nation’s deteriorating security situation.
Reacting to the killings, the Christian Association of Nigeria, through its President, Daniel Okoh, issued a strongly worded condemnation, describing the incident as “horrific” and emblematic of a country in distress.
Okoh lamented that a day meant for peace, hope, and reflection had been turned into a “day of bloodshed,” with men, women, and children reportedly hunted and killed in cold blood.
“Nigerians are tired of mourning; Nigerians are tired of statements; Nigerians want to see action,” he said, calling on the government and security agencies to move beyond what he described as “periodic reassurances” and “temporary measures.”
The CAN President demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, warning that continued impunity would only deepen public despair.
“We mourn; we grieve. But we must also speak the truth. How did we get here? How is it that people can no longer feel safe in their own homes?” he asked, adding that “a nation cannot keep bleeding like this and expect to move forward.”
Okoh also expressed alarm over reports that the attackers wore uniforms resembling those of security personnel, saying such tactics erode public trust and must be thoroughly investigated.
“The use of imitation military gear strikes at the heart of public confidence in our security institutions,” he said.
As Christians enter the Holy Week, he urged congregations to combine faith with vigilance, advising worshippers to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves during religious activities.
“Be prayerful, but also be vigilant. Stay alert. Work with security agencies and local authorities,” he counselled.
While acknowledging efforts by the Plateau State Government, Okoh maintained that Nigeria is going through a “dark and painful moment” that must serve as a turning point in the country’s approach to internal security.