A Florida State Representative, Kimberly Daniels, has called for the removal or redeployment of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over what she described as “genocide concerns” linked to rising killings in parts of the country.
Daniels, who also serves as Chairwoman of the Supreme Council of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), made the call in a formal assessment report examining Nigeria’s security situation, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions.
The report follows a series of attacks during the 2026 Easter period, where dozens of people were reportedly killed in Plateau, Kaduna and Nasarawa states. It noted that some of the attacks targeted worshippers during Palm Sunday and Easter services.
While acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condemnation of the violence, the report said there appears to be a disconnect between official statements and the reality faced by affected communities.
Daniels and members of the UN-WCD expressed concern over what they described as “red flags” surrounding Matawalle’s role, including allegations of complicity with bandits during his tenure as Zamfara State governor, claims of facilitating ransom payments, and concerns about his security experience.
According to the report, these issues could undermine public trust and weaken ongoing efforts by security agencies.
The group urged the Federal Government to carry out an immediate leadership review within the defence ministry, including the possible removal or redeployment of Matawalle.
It also called for a transparent investigation into allegations of high-level complicity with banditry, as well as stronger protection measures for vulnerable communities in affected regions.
Daniels said stakeholders and affected communities are increasingly demanding concrete action beyond political statements, stressing the need for urgent reforms to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
