Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution is unequivocal in its declaration that the security and welfare of citizens shall remain the primary responsibility of government. Yet, recent developments across the country suggest a troubling reality: governance is increasingly taking a back seat to politics, while insecurity, poverty and social hardship continue to deepen.
At a time when Nigerians expect decisive leadership and practical solutions to pressing challenges, political activities appear to dominate the national conversation. Discussions around the 2027 elections, political alliances, defections, endorsements and coalition-building have gained prominence, even as communities across the country grapple with worsening insecurity and economic difficulties.
One of the most heartbreaking examples of this crisis is the recent abduction of pupils, teachers and school workers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Armed terrorists reportedly attacked schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, kidnapping dozens of victims, including very young children who were too young to comprehend the danger unfolding around them.
Among those abducted were two-year-old Christianah Akanbi and three-year-old Sikiru Salami, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack. The incident further exposed the vulnerability of schools and the growing threat facing Nigeria’s educational system.
The tragedy became even more devastating with the reported killing of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was abducted during the attack. According to reports, he was murdered while in captivity after simply carrying out his duty of educating children. His death represents not only a personal loss to his family but also a painful reminder of the dangers confronting teachers and other public servants in many parts of the country.
Sadly, the Oyo incident is not an isolated case. It forms part of a broader pattern of insecurity affecting several regions of Nigeria. Days after the school abductions, armed men reportedly attacked Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, setting parts of the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting residents. Earlier incidents in the same state saw worshippers killed and others kidnapped while gathered at a prayer ground.
Across states such as Benue, Plateau, Katsina, Zamfara, Borno and Niger, stories of attacks, kidnappings, killings and displacement have become alarmingly common. Communities continue to live under the constant threat of violence, while many citizens feel abandoned and uncertain about their future.
The growing insecurity has created a dangerous situation in which abnormal circumstances are becoming normalised. Schools, once considered safe spaces for learning, are increasingly targeted by criminals. Highways have become dangerous routes, farms have turned into areas of fear and many communities now resemble refugee settlements.
What concerns many Nigerians is the perception that governance is increasingly being overshadowed by political calculations. While grieving families search for missing loved ones and communities mourn victims of violence, public discourse often appears dominated by electoral strategies and political manoeuvring.
The aftermath of the Oyo school abductions intensified these concerns. Images of distraught parents and videos of kidnapped teachers pleading for rescue circulated widely, prompting questions about the urgency and effectiveness of official responses to the crisis.
Leadership is measured not only by policy announcements but also by the ability to respond to citizens’ suffering with empathy, urgency and action. The Constitution leaves no room for ambiguity: the security and welfare of Nigerians must remain the foremost duty of government.
Unfortunately, many citizens increasingly feel that this constitutional responsibility is not being adequately fulfilled. The consequences are particularly severe for the education sector, which is rapidly becoming one of the biggest casualties of insecurity.
Parents who once focused on their children’s academic performance are now more concerned about whether their children will return safely from school. Teachers, instead of concentrating solely on education, are forced to consider their personal safety while carrying out their duties.
As insecurity spreads, school enrolment in vulnerable communities may decline as families prioritise safety over education. Such a trend carries serious long-term implications. Every child denied access to education today risks becoming economically disadvantaged tomorrow. Every school forced to shut down because of insecurity weakens the nation’s future workforce and development prospects.
Beyond the immediate physical dangers, the psychological impact on child victims cannot be ignored. Many children who survive kidnappings and violent attacks may continue to suffer emotional trauma long after their release. Experiences involving gunfire, violence, separation from parents and captivity often leave lasting scars that can affect mental health and development.
The broader implications extend beyond education. Insecurity is also worsening Nigeria’s economic challenges. Rising inflation, increasing transportation costs, soaring food prices and higher living expenses have already placed significant pressure on households. The security crisis is making these problems worse.
Many farmers are unable to access their farmlands due to fear of attacks. Agricultural activities are being disrupted, reducing food production and weakening rural economies. As supply chains become strained, food shortages and higher prices become more likely, worsening hunger and poverty.
In several communities, criminal groups have reportedly established influence over local economic activities, imposing levies and controlling access to farmland. Such developments demonstrate that insecurity is no longer merely a law-enforcement issue. It has evolved into an economic, developmental, educational and humanitarian challenge.
The persistence of these problems has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of institutions responsible for maintaining law and order. Weak accountability systems, corruption and governance deficiencies have been cited by analysts as factors undermining efforts to address insecurity and improve public confidence.
The irony is that while political actors intensify preparations for future elections, the conditions necessary for democratic stability are increasingly under threat. Democracy cannot thrive in an environment where citizens fear travelling, farming, worshipping or sending their children to school.
Security remains the foundation upon which economic growth, educational development, national unity and democratic governance are built. Without it, reforms become difficult to implement, investments decline and public trust weakens.
Despite the challenges, Nigeria possesses the human resources, institutions and capacity needed to reverse the current trend. What many observers believe is lacking is the political will, urgency and coordinated strategy required to tackle the crisis effectively.
Addressing insecurity demands more than expressions of sympathy after attacks. It requires intelligence-led operations, stronger collaboration among security agencies, improved community-based intelligence gathering, institutional reforms and greater accountability at all levels.
Most importantly, it requires leadership that prioritises governance above politics.
As the country moves closer to another election cycle, political leaders must recognise that electoral victories mean little if insecurity, poverty and social fragmentation continue to threaten national stability. The pursuit of political power should never become more important than protecting lives and preserving the future of the nation.
The death of Michael Oyedokun, the suffering of abducted children and the fears of countless Nigerian families serve as stark reminders of the urgency of the situation. Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. One path leads to deeper insecurity, declining education and worsening hardship. The other requires courage, responsibility and renewed commitment to governance.
The choice should be clear. If politics continues to overshadow governance, the greatest casualty may not be any political party or administration—it may be Nigeria itself. Yet there remains hope that with decisive leadership and collective resolve, the country can still chart a safer and more prosperous future.
By Blaize Udunze
