A former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has raised the alarm over a deepening security crisis in Nigeria, warning that a coalition of terror groups with global links were actively plotting to establish a parallel state within the country.
Olawepo-Hashim made the revelation in response to the recent massacre of about 200 civilians in Yelwata, Guma local government area of Benue State.
He described the incident as yet another pointer to the growing sophistication of what he termed an “adaptive insurgency” operating in the northern part of the country.
“The killings in Benue last weekend are a tragic reminder of the complete breakdown of security in Northern Nigeria. What we are witnessing is not isolated violence, but a coordinated effort by a mortal alliance of terror groups whose goal is to carve out a State within Nigeria,” he stated.
According to him, this wave of terror is not limited to Benue or the North-East but has progressively engulfed large parts of the North-West region including Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna and some sections of Katsina States, where communities continue to suffer loss of life, livelihoods, and dignity.
The former presidential candidate also warned of the insurgency’s growing incursion into the North-Central and southern regions, citing recent activities in Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, and Kogi States.
Olawepo-Hashim expressed concern that the federal government’s persistent delay in adopting recommended strategies, such as the decentralisation of policing through the establishment of state and local police, suggests either gross negligence or willful complicity.
“Since 2014, the APC has found the strategy to win elections, but they have not found, or pretend not to find, the strategy to end insecurity and poverty,” he remarked, questioning whether elements within the ruling party may be covertly aligned with the forces of terror.
He highlighted Nigeria’s historic reputation as a regional peacekeeper, having played pivotal roles in halting civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and helping out with peace efforts in Congo and Sudan.
Olawepo-Hashim lamented that the country currently appeared helpless within its own borders.
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