The General Overseer of the Evangelical Outreach Ministries International, Jos, Plateau State, Prophet Isa El-Buba, shares his insights on the insecurity plaguing the country with JAMES ABRAHAM

You have been a vocal advocate of peace and security; how do you assess the present state of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly Plateau, where you have been living for years?

The country?s security situation is not being handled properly, with ongoing killings and attacks. Recently, seven people were killed in the Riyom community, and three others were killed in the Pushit community, Plateau State. These senseless killings are unacceptable. Although there hasn?t been massive destruction in recent weeks, kidnappings are still prevalent, making the situation terrible. This issue is not limited to Plateau State, as Benue, Borno, Zamfara, and other states are also affected. The Boko Haram attacks in Borno are a stark reminder of the insecurity, resulting in the loss of lives, including army officers. The government?s approach has been inadequate, and it?s time for more decisive action to tackle this issue once and for all.

There have been concerns about the role of certain groups in perpetuating violence in the country. How do you think this issue can be addressed?

We need to address the insecurity head-on, just like treating a wound. You can?t just cover it up and expect it to heal; you need to clean it out and let it heal properly. Unfortunately, we?ve been working with falsehoods for too long, and it?s starting to crumble. Truth is what sustains us, and we?ve been voicing concerns about this insecurity for years.

Initially, it was a targeted attack on Christian communities, and some Fulani Islamic clerics were even proud of it, saying it served them well. But now, it?s hitting everyone, and it?s largely concentrated in the Middle Belt region. I know their plan because I was part of it before I converted to Christianity. I raised these concerns during former President (Goodluck) Jonathan?s era.

To solve this, we need to go after these people, not pretend to be politically correct. The Fulani population is relatively small, and they?re using the Hausa people to further their agenda. The Hausas are not inherently part of this; they?re being conscripted due to certain religious ideologies. We were able to deal with Boko Haram when parents became honest and turned in their children involved with the group. However, politicians took over and saw it as a source of income, which is why it has persisted. Anyone who tries to confront the issue is either removed or transferred.

Do you have confidence in the new service chiefs?

I haven?t seen any tangible results yet, so I cannot comment on that yet. I?m watching their progress, and I?m praying for their success. However, I believe that the system needs to allow them to work effectively. We have professionals who are eager to tackle the security challenges, but their hands are tied due to a lack of political will. The former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, gave hope to the military. I know he wanted to do what was necessary. It is heartbreaking to see our soldiers being used as sacrificial lambs. Training a soldier is a significant investment, and it?s painful to lose them. I?m calling on the President to prioritise our security rather than favouring a particular group. We need leaders who will support our security agencies and allow them to do their job effectively.

I had drafted an open letter to the President, urging him to align with international bodies, particularly the United States. My advice to the President is to take a firm stance and stop building on falsehoods, which will eventually collapse. He needs to empower communities and work with the military to flush out criminality and banditry.

As religious leaders, we need to speak the truth and hold the government accountable. President Tinubu is our President, and he?s there to serve our interests. We should voice our concerns when things go wrong, as we?re shepherding the people. The security chiefs must focus on Nigeria and put aside tribal, ethnic, and religious differences.

How do you respond to President Trump?s recent threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide?

I strongly agree with President Trump?s consideration of military action in response to the security situation in Nigeria. I?ve previously addressed the American Congress, emphasising that Nigerians don?t need America; rather, America needs Nigerians. Nigeria is a great nation, blessed with abundant natural and human resources. Its stability is crucial for global security and economic prosperity. Africa, with its vast mineral resources, food production, and human capital, is a vital continent that cannot be ignored. In fact, Africa is home to 75% of the world?s mineral resources, produces 50% of the world?s food, and contributes 30% of the world?s brainpower. It?s a continent of intelligent and resourceful people.

America needs Nigeria?s stability, and the country?s security is essential for global stability. If Nigeria is not safe, Africa will not be safe, and the entire world will be at risk. That?s why I?m advocating a partnership between Nigeria and America to address these insecurity challenges. It?s clear that America has the capability to detect and address security threats, and I?m calling for their support in helping Nigeria tackle its security issues.

Do you think Trump?s intervention will address the security challenges effectively?

Yes, it will definitely help. It?s not about bombing every community; it?s a targeted approach. Let me give you an example: America knows the whereabouts of Turji Bello; they track his movements. Remember the Chibok girls? abduction? America helped track their location. They provided insight on how to evacuate the girls without losing a single one. During Jonathan?s presidency, mercenaries were brought in, and they were able to locate Boko Haram?s hideouts using their gadgets. This collaboration helped the then military chief, Ihejirika, clear the areas and recover most of the local governments.

However, when President Muhammadu Buhari came in, he sent the mercenaries out. The point is, America can help Nigeria tackle insecurity, but it?s being hindered by corruption. The Nigerian government is spending a lot on insecurity, but the money is lining the pockets of a few individuals rather than being used to help soldiers on the ground.

Our soldiers are brave, but they lack the necessary resources. If America collaborates with Nigeria, it will help put an end to the killings, whether it?s the genocide against Christians or the Hausa community. It will be a step in the right direction.

How do you perceive the Nigerian government?s reaction to Trump?s comments?

I think it?s a misguided response. America has one of the biggest embassies in Africa, and they have eyes on the ground. They know what?s happening. Our President should be honest and transparent about the situation. He should say, ?We?re aware of the problem, and these are the steps we?re taking to address it. If you can support us with intelligence, we would appreciate it.? That?s the kind of response the President should give.

How do you respond to critics who accuse you of fueling religious tension with your claim of Christian genocide?

I?m not inciting religious tension. I have treated both Muslims and Christians fairly, as evident from my past protests. I have accommodated thousands of Muslims and Christians alike, and my foundation has helped many Muslims and Christians through education and other initiatives. I?m speaking out because I?m concerned about the violence and killings. The perpetrators are mostly Fulani Muslims who shout ?Allahu Akbar? as they attack and kill people. I have been attacked, and I?ve seen the devastation in villages where Christians are massacred.

The truth is, these are Muslim terrorists, and it?s time for the Muslim community to acknowledge and address the issue. The killings are not just targeting Christians but also Hausa Muslims who are being killed in Zamfara and other places.

Genocide is the intentional destruction of a people based on their ethnicity or religion. When 510 people are massacred in one day, and Muslims are evacuated from the area before the attack, it is clear that something is terribly wrong. I?m calling for an end to the violence and for the killers to be brought to justice. It?s not just Christians who are suffering; Muslims are also being killed. We need to face the facts and work together to stop the bloodshed. Nigeria is losing hundreds of people every day, and it?s unacceptable. We need to come together to address this issue and work towards a peaceful and harmonious society.

How will you assess Governor Caleb Mutfwang?s steps to ensure peace and development among the state?s diverse communities?

In terms of development, I?m happy with what he?s doing. One thing that gives a place its beauty is roads. If you?re able to open up communities, every other thing can follow, and he?s doing well in that regard. He?s also improved transportation, taking away the burden of many people with the Metro Ride buses. They?re executive buses that have made a big difference. And the train service is now working, giving people a new experience.

As for security, I wouldn?t blame him too much because it is still under federal control. If the Federal Government gives him the necessary backing, he will achieve the success he needs. He?s cried out before, but now he?s being politically correct, especially with the election approaching. To me, if the Federal Government releases the necessary resources and implements community policing, it will give him more strength and power to tackle security issues.

You had in the past called for the deployment of advanced technology such as drones to combat insecurity. How do you think this will help?

The use of technology Is crucial in saving lives. However, corruption is a major obstacle in Nigeria. We often inflate costs, making it difficult to acquire necessary tools. For instance, a $1,000 instrument becomes $20,000 due to corruption.

Boko Haram uses drones, and we?ve been advocating their use to counter the insurgency. With technology, we can monitor areas remotely. I recall a camera we mounted at the temple during the crisis, which allowed us to see Heipang Airport from a distance of over 30 km. Deploying such instruments wouldn?t be expensive, and it would greatly enhance our capabilities. Technology is the way to go, especially in this age. I have mentioned before how 15 mercenaries, using technology, achieved what over 2,000 soldiers couldn?t. They used drones and phones to neutralise the enemy. We need to leverage technology to tackle insecurity challenges. It?s time to embrace innovation and modernisation to protect lives and ensure national security.

What?s your message to Nigerians going forward?

Nigerians are great and wonderful people. The ones who are against this country are less than two per cent. But the problem is that the 98 per cent majority are often docile, sitting in their suffering and complaining without taking action. You can?t build a nation like that. We shouldn?t just live for ourselves; we should live for future generations. We?re all going to die someday, but let?s leave behind something better. When Nigerians start thinking this way, we?ll take care of our environment. Every Nigerian should be involved in transforming their state and nation.

The press also has a crucial role in speaking truth to power and checking the government. Social media has given people a platform to express themselves. My appeal to the press is to do their job, and to Nigerians, let?s speak out constructively and save our country. (Sunday PUNCH)

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