el-Rufai rules out lasting peace unless security agencies return to proper roles
Catholic pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent surge of violent attacks across parts of Nigeria, describing the incidents as “deeply troubling” and urging authorities to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.

In a post shared on X yesterday, the pontiff said he was “saddened and concerned” by the wave of killings reported in Kwara, Katsina and Benue states, offering prayers for the victims and their families.

“It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life. I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism. I likewise hope that the competent authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of every citizen,” the Pope wrote.

This was as former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, warned that there could be no lasting peace in the country unless security agencies return to their proper constitutional roles.

The Pope’s remarks followed renewed security concerns after coordinated attacks left dozens dead, homes razed, and many residents displaced in separate incidents across the three states.

In Kwara State, gunmen launched a deadly raid on Woro village shortly after a military operation in the area targeting what authorities described as “terrorist elements.” Witnesses said the attackers torched shops and the residence of a traditional ruler, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.

Meanwhile, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the worsening security situation in Nigeria.

His remarks came in response to a post by Tinubu, who had highlighted Boko Haram attacks in the North-East.

Replying to the President, Abdullahi tweeted: “The festering insecurity and violent attacks in Kwara, Katsina and other parts of the country, and massacre of innocent Nigerians is concrete proof that Nigeria has no government.”

Abdullahi’s expanded the conversation beyond the North-East, highlighting insecurity across multiple states.

Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Protocol, Issa Niniola, said the Federal Government was not sleeping over the spate of insecurity in the country.

Niniola stated this on the sidelines of the 27th Oba-Oke Day celebration in the Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State.

El-Rufai described national security as ultimately about protecting Nigerian homes, livelihoods and Nigerian futures and not about preserving the comfort of the temporary occupants of the Presidential Villa.

Taking to his verified Facebook page yesterday, el-Rufai who wrote on the topic ‘National Security, Justice, and the People’s Wellbeing: Reclaiming the Purpose of Power’, maintained that national security does not belong to the President, his family, or their enablers but belongs to the Nigerian people.

“At this critical juncture in our national life, it is vital that we speak about something that touches every breath we take in this country: security and justice. Not as abstract phrases buried in policy documents, but as the air our children breathe, the peace of our homes, the freedom to move, speak, and live without fear,” he stated.