Pegasus Reporters Issues on the Wing
“Some have questioned my approach, suggesting that I should write openly to Northern elders rather than communicating through other means. However, I must note that many current Northern elders prioritize personal interests over finding solutions”
*Rt. Comrade Abdullahi Ladan
PEGASUS REPORTERS, LAGOS | APRIL 23, 2025
Nigeria Governors’ Forum,
Abuja, Nigeria.
Your Excellencies,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the growing trend of vigilante groups taking the law into their own hands in various parts of the country.
This phenomenon poses a significant threat to national stability, human rights, and the rule of law. The proliferation of vigilante groups can lead to a breakdown of law and order, human rights abuses, and inter-communal conflict.
It is essential that we prioritize strengthening formal law enforcement agencies and promoting community policing initiatives to maintain order and protect human rights. I am particularly concerned about the potential consequences of vigilante groups targeting specific regions or communities, such as Northern Nigeria. This can lead to revenge attacks, civic unrest, and national instability.
In fact, Northern Nigeria has experienced unrest in some states due to vigilante raids, extrajudicial killings, and other activities, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives.
A lawless nation cannot develop. We must take bold action to protect our constitutional powers and ensure our communities are safe. Training our local security guards well is crucial to achieving this goal.
Some have questioned my approach, suggesting that I should write openly to Northern elders rather than communicating through other means. However, I must note that many current Northern elders prioritize personal interests over finding solutions.
Their approach often seems focused on personal appointments and power rather than the welfare of the people. It is disheartening to see that some of these leaders have declared social media participants terrorists after neglecting their duties.
Furthermore, despite the tragic killings of Northerners in Edo State etc, you became silent over the matter. In your respectives organisations, many of your staff members’ death but their families have not received death benefits for over 20 years.
Meanwhile, these leaders prioritize luxury vehicles for themselves and limit job opportunities for young people in their communities.
We believe that the insecurity in Northern Nigeria is a result of bad leadership characterized by corruption, nepotism, and selfish interests. People are dying in hospitals due to lack of funds to purchase essential drugs.
Power and energy have become politicized, favoring only those affiliated with the ruling party. Starvation is widespread across the nation. Kidnapping has become a lucrative business.
Speaking the truth makes one a target, and exercising freedom of speech can lead to automatic arrest and imprisonment. It is essential to learn from these challenges and move forward.
To the leaders of tomorrow, I say: never let anyone discourage you from promoting peace and understanding between communities. Be wise, stand firm, and focus on the next steps towards achieving our goals.
Despite these challenges, I believe it is essential to engage with the issues at hand.
I urge you to consider the following recommendations:
1.Strengthen Formal Law Enforcement:
Invest in capacity building for law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to security challenges.
2.Promote Community Policing:
Foster community policing initiatives that promote collaboration between law enforcement and local communities.
3.Address Underlying Grievances:
Address underlying grievances and promote social cohesion to prevent the escalation of conflicts.
By working together, we can promote a safer and more just society for all Nigerians.
I hope that we can find a way forward that prioritizes the well-being and safety of our citizens.
Sincerely,
Rt. Comrade Abdullahi Ladan,
0806 561 6560.
(19 April 2025.)
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My observation is, what if a State Government invest in the formal police structure, empower and train them, only for the Command to transfer them out of the State? Remember that the State does not control the Police force. As for the Community policing, is the State Government going to be in control of such personnel?