Nigeria: A Grim Tally of Violence: Examining the Escalating Death Toll Under Tinubu’s Leadership
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
In a harrowing incident on March 14, 17 officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Bomadi were tragically slain during peace negotiations gone awry in the Okuama community of Delta State. The loss of these brave individuals, including high-ranking officers, underscores the escalating violence amidst a land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities. Subsequently, Okuama has become a battleground, witnessing further bloodshed with reports of over 50 additional casualties.
This appalling incident is but one piece of a larger narrative of violence plaguing Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Shockingly, within a mere 10 months of assuming office last May, the nation has witnessed a staggering toll of 6,931 lives lost to various forms of insecurity. This figure eclipses the grim statistics from previous administrations, with 8,356 lives lost during Muhammadu Buhari’s first 10 months and 2,059 during Goodluck Jonathan’s initial tenure.
These numbers, sourced from the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), provide a sobering glimpse into the reality of violence-driven deaths in Nigeria. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations of these figures, as they are primarily derived from media reports and likely underestimate the true extent of the crisis due to underreporting.
The recent months have been marred by relentless violence across the nation. In January 2024 alone, security forces claimed the lives of 266 terrorists and bandits, followed by an additional 974 neutralizations in February. Moreover, the spate of attacks perpetrated by herdsmen militias in Benue State has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 147 lives, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The pervasiveness of violence knows no regional bounds, with recurring bandit attacks afflicting states across the North, including Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, as well as parts of the North-East and North-Central regions. Furthermore, the South-East, South-South, and portions of the South-West have not been spared, grappling with their own share of criminal activities and armed conflicts.
The breakdown of casualties under Tinubu’s tenure underscores the relentless toll of violence month by month, reflecting a nation in turmoil. Equally concerning is the growing chorus of dissatisfaction voiced by Northern Senators, who are alarmed by the escalating wave of killings and kidnappings in their regions. Urging decisive action and justice for the victims, their pleas underscore the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms.
In response to these mounting challenges, the National Assembly has engaged in numerous deliberations with security agencies, while President Tinubu has issued directives to curb the escalating violence. Yet, the efficacy of these measures remains uncertain, leaving many Nigerians anxiously awaiting tangible improvements in the security landscape.
As Nigeria grapples with the grim realities of escalating violence, it is imperative for leaders at all levels to prioritize the safety and well-being of their citizens. Only through concerted efforts and decisive actions can the nation hope to stem the tide of bloodshed and pave the way for a more peaceful future.
