…urges urgent government action to restore peace
The Plateau State Association in the United Kingdom (PSA-UK) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as Nigeria’s rapidly worsening security crisis, warning that the escalating violence is inflicting severe damage on lives, livelihoods and the nation’s international reputation.
At a virtual press conference held in the UK and joined by BusinessDay on Friday in Jos, Solomon Chollom, President, and Sendi Zechariah, Publicity Secretary, who spoke on behalf of the group, said the security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated far beyond isolated attacks and now reflects a nationwide breakdown in safety and governance.
PSA-UK noted that the pattern of violence—ranging from mass killings to abductions and attacks on places of worship—has grown in scale and brutality over the years. According to the association, the insecurity has spread across nearly all regions, leaving communities devastated and citizens living in fear.
“The Plateau State Association UK (PSA-UK) expresses deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria and the devastating impact it continues to have on lives, livelihoods, development and global perception of both Plateau State and the nation at large.
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“It is alarming and heartbreaking that what began as isolated incidents decades ago has now snowballed into a nation-wide catastrophe. One that has spared no region and continues to expand the scale and brutality”.
The group criticised the Nigerian government for what it called a failure to demonstrate strong political will in arresting and prosecuting perpetrators of major attacks. It stated that despite various armed groups, including armed herdsmen, openly claiming responsibility for several assaults, many have continued to be officially described as “unknown gunmen,” a narrative the association says is no longer tenable.
PSA-UK added that many of the violent groups maintain visible online footprints and have issued public claims of responsibility, making it difficult to justify the lack of decisive action. It argued that if security agencies lack the capacity to track and dismantle these networks, the government should seek international support rather than allowing the crisis to worsen.
Citing recent incidents that have heightened public anxiety, the association mentioned the killing of a senior military officer by insurgent fighters, attacks on worshippers in Kwara State, the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, and ongoing killings and village annexations in Plateau State. The group also warned that bandits negotiating with the government and blocking farmers from their farmlands indicate alarming levels of impunity.
The group affirmed its support for the Nigerian Armed Forces, praising the sacrifices of soldiers on the frontlines. However, it urged the military hierarchy to initiate an internal audit to assess professionalism, neutrality, preparedness and training. This, it said, is necessary amid growing allegations of complicity and compromise in some operations.
The association expressed solidarity with families who have lost loved ones and with thousands of displaced people living in camps across the country. It encouraged citizens to hold their elected leaders accountable, noting that the constitutional power to elect leaders includes the power to recall them when they fail.
In a direct appeal to the President and the Federal Government, PSA-UK insisted that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of national leadership. It criticised attempts to shift blame to state governors, stressing that governors do not control the military or federal security agencies and therefore cannot be held solely responsible for rising insecurity.
The group called on the Federal Government to urgently dismantle armed groups, rescue abducted citizens and rebuild public trust in security institutions. It also urged Plateau State authorities to strengthen local intelligence systems while calling on the international community to increase diplomatic pressure and humanitarian support.
PSA-UK reaffirmed its solidarity with victims of violence nationwide, describing the situation not just as a security challenge but as a humanitarian and moral emergency. The group pledged to continue advocating for a Nigeria where no community is left vulnerable and every citizen can live without fear of abduction, displacement or targeted attacks.
