Inaolaji OLAYODE
The throe of lack of security in Nigeria is not uncommon but it’s unexpected on my side to attain the level of attacking the president of the country. Fear gripped my heart and the question in the headline swiftly marched to my brain. Is this how things will perpetually happen? This is a cause for alarm and that we should never sleep with both eyes closed.
The scurrilous invasion of Kuje Medium Correctional Centre, Abuja – the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, the acclaimed giant of Africa, and the waylaying of President Muhammadu Buhari and his cohorts at Katsina, on their way to Daura, on Tuesday, July 5, for sallah (ileya) celebration shows the height of insecurity in the country. This is lugubrious and highly awful.
According to reports from different media houses, two persons sustained a minor injury in the process of the invasion of president’s convoy but they were reportedly taken to the hospital for proper medical treatment. Wholeheartedly, avalanche of encomium has to be showered on the security personnel accompanying the president for the staunch courage they summoned to thwart the callous mission of the alleged unknown terrorists. A dog that staged a visit to the den of lion and come back safe has to be congratulated. You are highly appreciated and congratulated. What could be their mission? To assassinate the president or what?
The Kuje prison that was recently attacked by the gunmen is telling the federal government to beef up security in the country. Reportedly, tons of inmates took advantage of the avenue to flee from the prison yard. Consequence upon this, political office holders have gone to the prison condemning the heinous action of those elements who had been wreaking numerous havocs leading to the plight of unrest in all nooks and crannies of the nation. Last year, April 5 precisely, you should vividly recall there was a jail break in Imo state which amounted to escape of close to two thousand (2, 000) prisoners likewise that of Abologo Correctional Center which was attacked late last year, the invasion of Kogi state prison can also never be exempted.
The Controller General of Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa are, hereby, urged to take necessary action to prevent the incessant invasion of prisons. Also, security of lives and properties from both internal or external attack is one of the cogent responsibilities that the sensitive government must provide for the masses.
I’m of the belief that President Muhammadu Buhari will utilize his vast experience and immense knowledge as a retired military man to put things into order. Less than a year of Buhari in Aso Rock, Abuja will never witness such a dastardly act again.
Truly, no one can protect his/her life, only the Great Architect of the Universe can shower His outright protection on us. And that’s our fervent prayer since all this while.
Olayode writes from Ogbomoso