The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take responsibility for the worsening security situation in Nigeria, arguing that the persistent wave of violence across the country has reached an alarming level.
His remarks have sparked fresh debate over the government’s handling of insecurity and the measures being implemented to safeguard lives and property.
Speaking on the state of the nation, Agbedi expressed concern over the increasing number of attacks by armed groups, kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements operating in various parts of the country. According to him, many Nigerians now live in fear as insecurity continues to affect both urban and rural communities, making daily life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.
The lawmaker noted that the growing security challenges have had devastating consequences for families, businesses, and entire communities. He pointed out that many people have lost loved ones, while others have been forced to abandon their homes due to recurring attacks. In several regions, residents continue to face uncertainty as criminal activities disrupt economic and social life.
Agbedi argued that the situation requires urgent attention and decisive leadership. He maintained that protecting citizens remains one of the most important responsibilities of government and that any failure in this regard must be addressed with seriousness and accountability. He stressed that Nigerians deserve a secure environment where they can pursue their livelihoods without fear of violence or intimidation.
According to him, insecurity has gone beyond isolated incidents and has become a national challenge affecting virtually every sector of society. Farmers have struggled to access their farmlands due to fears of attacks, leading to concerns about food production and food security. Businesses have also been affected, as investors become increasingly cautious about operating in areas perceived to be unsafe.
The Minority Leader further stated that insecurity has continued to undermine public confidence in government institutions. He observed that many citizens are becoming frustrated by what they perceive as a slow response to the security threats confronting the nation. This frustration, he said, has fueled calls for stronger action and more effective policies aimed at restoring peace and stability.
Agbedi emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the country’s security architecture. He argued that security agencies should be equipped with the resources, technology, and intelligence capabilities necessary to confront emerging threats. He also called for improved coordination among the various security institutions responsible for maintaining law and order.
In addition, he highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering and information sharing in combating criminal activities. According to him, security challenges can be addressed more effectively when agencies work together and adopt proactive strategies capable of preventing attacks before they occur. He stressed that waiting until violence erupts before taking action is not a sustainable approach.
The lawmaker also drew attention to the broader economic implications of insecurity. He explained that continued instability discourages investment, disrupts commercial activities, and places additional pressure on an economy already facing significant challenges. In many communities, local businesses have been forced to scale down operations, while others have closed entirely due to security concerns.
He noted that the impact of insecurity extends beyond economic losses. Educational activities have also suffered in some areas where schools have been forced to shut down because of security threats. Students and teachers alike have faced difficulties carrying out their academic activities, raising concerns about the long-term consequences for human capital development.
Agbedi maintained that addressing insecurity requires a collective effort involving government, security agencies, community leaders, and citizens. He encouraged stakeholders at all levels to work together in identifying and addressing the root causes of violence. Such causes, he suggested, include unemployment, poverty, social exclusion, and weak institutional structures.
The Minority Leader argued that meaningful progress can only be achieved through sustained commitment and practical solutions. He urged authorities to focus on policies that create opportunities for young people, strengthen community engagement, and improve trust between citizens and security agencies. Building stronger relationships between communities and law enforcement personnel, he said, could help improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention efforts.
He also stressed the importance of accountability in governance, insisting that public officials must be willing to accept responsibility for outcomes under their watch. According to him, leadership requires not only making promises but also delivering measurable results that improve the lives of citizens.
Agbedi’s comments have generated reactions from various quarters, with some agreeing that stronger measures are needed to tackle insecurity, while others have defended ongoing government efforts. Supporters of the administration argue that security challenges have developed over many years and cannot be resolved overnight. They maintain that steps are being taken to strengthen security operations and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
However, critics insist that Nigerians expect quicker and more visible results. They argue that the frequency of attacks and criminal incidents remains a source of concern and that government must do more to reassure citizens that their safety remains a top priority.
Security remains one of the most discussed issues in the country, particularly as communities continue to grapple with different forms of violence and criminality. From rural villages to major cities, citizens have repeatedly called for stronger protection and more effective responses to emerging threats.
As the debate continues, many observers believe that addressing insecurity will require both immediate interventions and long-term reforms. While security operations may help contain threats in the short term, sustainable peace will depend on broader efforts to address social, economic, and governance-related challenges.
Agbedi concluded by urging leaders across political divides to place national interest above partisan considerations. He said the safety and welfare of Nigerians should remain the foremost concern of every public official, regardless of political affiliation. According to him, the country can only achieve meaningful progress when citizens feel secure and confident in the institutions responsible for protecting them.
His remarks have once again drawn attention to the urgent need for lasting solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges, as citizens continue to look to their leaders for effective action, reassurance, and a clear path toward peace and stability.
