As Christians in Nigeria and across the world mark Easter—a season that symbolizes sacrifice, hope, and renewal—the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) demands an end to the nation’s growing trauma and calls for collective action against the killings of innocent Nigerians.
Easter is meant to be a time of deep reflection, not just for individuals but for leaders as well. Yet, for millions of Nigerians, it has become a painful reminder of lives cut short, families shattered, and a country steadily descending into insecurity, economic hardship, and official indifference.
The ongoing wave of violence—including the attacks on Logo and Gbagir communities in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, and the horrific massacres in Plateau State that claimed over 50 lives—paints a harrowing picture. These are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a much deeper crisis: a breakdown in governance and a failure of the state to protect its people. Killings in other parts of the country—including Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara states—reinforce the fact that violence has become pervasive, and no region is immune.
According to Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani
Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) “what makes this reality even more painful is the absence of empathy and decisive leadership from the Tinubu administration. At a time when the nation is crying out for healing and direction, the president’s silence and physical absence are both unacceptable and morally troubling. Leadership is not just about holding office; it is about being present in times of peace and, more importantly, in times of crisis.
Sadly, Nigerians are forced to watch their leader move from city to city abroad while their own communities suffer. Governance cannot be handled from a distance. National empathy cannot be replaced by press releases or social media posts. If the president cannot provide solutions, the least he can do is stand with his people. If his government cannot end the violence, it must stop pretending that everything is fine.
Equally troubling is the government’s apparent lack of prioritization in defeating violent criminals, despite the considerable resources allocated to security. The more financial resources are pumped into the system, the more insecurity seems to escalate—raising serious concerns about the strategic will to confront and end these atrocities. Until there is clear accountability and effective deployment of resources, insecurity will continue to thrive.
Even more worrying is the growing distraction from governance, as political actors shift focus to the 2027 elections. The race for future power is overtaking the urgent need to secure lives, manage our diversity, stabilize the economy, and foster peace. This obsession with political positioning, at a time of national emergency, is reckless and deeply irresponsible.
Furthermore, the politicization of killings is unacceptable—regardless of religion, tribe, ethnicity, or geographical identity. A killer is a killer and must be treated as such. We must end this dangerous practice of assigning political value to human life and instead return to governance rooted in justice and equality. Until we muster the courage to confront all forms of violence with impartiality, we will continue to undermine our national unity and common humanity.
CISLAC calls on all arms and levels of government, political leaders, and stakeholders to step back from the politics of ambition and return to the pressing business of rebuilding the nation. Nigerians are not statistics or stepping stones to power. They are citizens—people with dignity, rights, and lives that matter.
Again, CISLAC demands an end to the misuse of security personnel for political conquest and the creation of political tensions—especially in some non-ruling party states—where certain individuals openly threaten violence to declare another illegal state of emergency.
As we reflect on the message of Easter, we are reminded of the power of sacrifice and the promise of renewal. It is time for our leaders to rediscover the moral courage to serve with empathy, fairness, accountability, and urgency. We cannot continue on this dark and dangerous path. The blood of innocent citizens must no longer be the price we pay for government failure.
CISLAC remains resolute in its mission to uphold democratic values, demand transparency, and hold power to account. In these trying times, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advocating for justice, good governance, and the protection of human rights.
We will continue to amplify the voices of the vulnerable, challenge impunity and corruption, and push for a Nigeria where leadership is rooted in responsibility—not rhetoric. The journey to national renewal demands truth, courage, and action—and CISLAC will not relent.
Enough is enough. Nigeria deserves better.
