By Ken Afor
As terrorists and armed bandits continue to unleash mayhem in the northern part of the country, a former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Y. Danjuma (rtd), has called on the federal government to take urgent steps in redeeming the already battered image of the country due to insecurity.
Danjuma made the call following fresh killings in Plateau State where at least 15 people, including 14 women, were reportedly killed in Tilengpat village in Pushit District, Mangu Local Government Area of the state, following an attack by suspected herdsmen late Thursday night.
According to the retired general, Nigeria has become a mockery in the committee of nations due to the escalating insecurity in the region.
Danjuma said this while speaking at the annual Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival in Ibbi Local Government Area of Taraba State on Friday.
“Nigerian authority must take urgent measures to redeem the battered image of the country by addressing the security challenges confronting the nation,” he said.
He emphasized that without guaranteed security, both investors and tourists, especially foreigners, would be reluctant to visit or invest in the country.
“No person or group of persons will want to come to our state or country if we continue to kill and butcher ourselves,” he noted.
The retired general expressed further concern about the widespread security challenges across Nigeria, stressing the urgent need for government intervention.
He emphasized the importance of collective effort to ensure that suitable measures are implemented to address the issues, stating that “the right pegs must be put in the right holes.”
He said, “Those in position of authority must work hard to make the country safe for all Nigerians including foreigners before we could attract more and more investors into the country
“If we continue to make our roads unsafe for people to move around, our dreams of making Nwonyo fishing and cultural festival an international festival, can not be achieved.
“It is sad that Nigeria as a nation has become a laughing stock following the security challenges.
“As the country is currently, we are a disgrace to the whole world and therefore we must redeem our image and put our house in order because right now we have become a laughing stock to the whole world.” he said.
On his part, the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, assured that his administration is committed to tirelessly fostering mutual cooperation between his state and the Taraba State.
