Photo by Meshack Emmanuel Kazanshyi

Recently, former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo stood up and spoke plainly about the insecurity problem in Nigeria—the kidnappings, the shootings, and the violence. He declared that lives are being lost every day, and that it doesn’t matter what religion or tribe you belong to—every Nigerian life counts, and no ethnic or religious excuse can explain away the bloodshed.

He reminded us that security is the first duty of government: protecting people, their lives, and their property. But right now our government seems unable to do that.

He urged our leaders to act. He said that with modern tools—satellites and drones—we have the capacity to detect, locate, and stop criminals. So the question is: why aren’t we using them? Who is benefiting from this?

He went even further: if our own government cannot ensure our safety, Nigerians have every right to call on the international community to help. Saving lives must be the priority, not excuses, not silence.

That speech stirs many memories. Because when Obasanjo held power, some things were done—there were efforts to stabilize, security operations, and attempts at national unity. Maybe not perfect, just like any other government. But some things moved. He never negotiated with tourists, we never took nonsense from any of these bombers, the country was calm, and he acted fast.

Now I see a different Nigeria: one where invisible hands seem to profit from chaos. It’s not just insecurity. There’s talk about illegal mining, exploitation of mineral resources by foreign bodies, smuggling, and corruption—all under the watch of powerful people who benefit from it.

Some accuse parts of our elite—politicians, ex-generals, those once entrusted with trust—of letting foreign interests plunder our land. Illicit mining deals that steal from communities, destroy land, and poison lives. These people want to chase everyone from those areas and gain full control.

If criminals get to decide where rights are protected and when justice is enforced, Nigeria will keep burning—not because of religion or tribe, but greed.