Former Senate President David Mark wants Nigeria to rethink how it fights insecurity. He believes the current approach isn’t working and it’s time for a drastic shift.
He urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take cues from the United States, Israel, and India by fencing Nigeria’s porous borders.
According to him, that’s one way to stop criminals from entering the country unchecked.
Mark’s message came through his media adviser, Paul Mumeh, in Kano, during an Easter goodwill message.
He didn’t hold back, Mark raised alarm over constant killings in North Central states like Plateau and Benue, saying violent groups are ravaging communities, killing innocent citizens, and wiping out ancestral homes.
He questioned the government’s reluctance to brand these armed groups as terrorists.
“We must not shy away from the truth. If they are not terrorists, why are they killing people, destroying communities and chasing people away from their ancestral homes?” he asked.
“We must not allow criminal elements to stream into our country. We must change our strategy. Maybe, we can begin to think of fencing our borders like India, Israel, the U.S. and Mexico,” he added.
READ ALSO: David Mark to FG End the bloodshed on the Plateau
Mark wants a dedicated force to tackle terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. He also extended sympathy to the affected communities and state governments.
The appeal follows fresh attacks. Over 50 people were slaughtered in Zilkke village, Bassa LGA, Plateau State. Gunmen razed more than 40 homes.
On Good Friday, over 56 residents in Benue’s Logo and Ukum LGAs were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen.
Women and children were among the victims.
Mark’s message was simple:
Stop calling these killers anything else. Call them what they are and act accordingly.
How long can Nigeria afford to keep using the same methods and expect different results?