(DDM) – Nigerian religious leaders have reacted strongly to recent deadly attacks in parts of Kwara State and renewed debate about national security.
DDM gathered that a group called the Concerned Igbo Ministers’ Commission linked the tragedy to earlier warnings by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The clerics said many people died in coordinated attacks on rural communities in the state within recent days.
Local sources and humanitarian observers reported that armed groups carried out the assaults on several villages.
Security agencies have not released a final official casualty figure, but reports indicate very high losses.
The ministers argued that Kanu had repeatedly warned about extremist violence spreading toward southern Nigeria.
They claimed authorities ignored those warnings and instead focused on prosecuting the separatist leader for his broadcasts.
Reverend Tony Uzor, who speaks for the commission, said the government punished speech more quickly than it stopped violence.
He criticised what he described as uneven law enforcement between violent actors and political agitators.
The group insisted that Kanu used words and media platforms to express his views about national security risks.
They argued that courts later convicted him on terrorism-related charges connected to incitement and separatist messaging.
A Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment in 2025 after a long legal process.
Government prosecutors maintained that his broadcasts encouraged unrest and threatened national unity.
Kanu and his supporters have continued to challenge the charges and the broader handling of his case.
IPOB has long pushed for the independence of Biafra, a position that remains highly controversial in Nigeria.
Nigeria fought a civil war between 1967 and 1970 after a previous Biafran secession attempt.
That war left deep historical memories that still shape politics and security discussions today.
The clerics said present-day violence requires proactive policing, intelligence sharing, and community protection.
They urged federal and state authorities to strengthen early-warning systems in vulnerable rural areas.
They also called for better support for victims and displaced families affected by insecurity.
Nigerian officials have acknowledged security challenges and promised stronger responses to armed groups.
The federal government has deployed security forces to several hotspots in recent years to curb attacks.
Analysts say Nigeria faces multiple threats, including banditry, communal clashes, and extremist cells.
Civil society groups often demand faster justice for victims and more transparent investigations.
The Kwara incidents have again highlighted gaps between warnings, prevention, and rapid response.
The clerics warned that public trust weakens when citizens feel unprotected during repeated attacks.
They asked leaders to prioritise human life and treat credible security alerts with urgency.
They concluded that Nigeria needs both justice and prevention to reduce cycles of violence.
