A Nigerian human rights lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, has criticised the Nigerian government’s handling of security amid a wave of violent attacks across the country, describing the situation as a failure of leadership and responsibility.
In a statement reacting to recent incidents, including the recent Rukuba killings in Jos, Plateau State and an attack on wedding guests in Kagarko, Kaduna State, Abubakar said, “We have watched with dismay the brutal murder of Nigerians across the country – the latest being the Rukuba massacre in Jos and the Kagarko, Kaduna brutal killing of wedding guests amongst several other unreported or under reported cases of tears, sorrow and blood across the country.”
He accused authorities of neglecting their constitutional duty to protect citizens, adding, “Sadly, the Government is not concerned about carrying out its primary responsibility, they are only fixated on renewing the mandate, despite failing in the one they are currently enjoying – one good mandate deserves another.”
Abubakar also questioned political leadership, referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other government figures.
“Would Tinubu and his cronies in Government renew the contract of a staff (member) on a tenured employment if the hired staff (member) failed on all indices as they have?” he asked.
Addressing residents in affected regions, including Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara, and other volatile states, the lawyer emphasised the right to self-defence under the law.
He stated, “You have an inalienable right to defend your ancestral homes, lives and properties.”
Citing constitutional provisions, he added, “By virtue of Section 33 (2) (a), (b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, killing any person in defense of your life, property, unlawful violence or in order to effect a lawful arrest and or for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny is not murder – it is your right to defend yourself and if the attacker dies in the process, you are not guilty of unlawful killing.”
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On the Rukuba incident, Abubakar alleged prior warnings were ignored, stating, “The Rukuba massacre was foretold, credible intelligence report was availed security agents about the planned, impending attack but their focus was converging on Abuja for the APC National Convention.”
He further referenced Section 14(b) of the Constitution, stressing the duty of government to ensure citizens’ welfare: “Section 14 (b) of the Constitution mandates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government because sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through the Constitution derives all its powers and authority.”
Abubakar, therefore, called for accountability and civic action, saying, “The legitimacy of the government lies in the proper execution of this core mandate, a government that has failed in this core area has no legitimate business seeking for renewed mandate. Nigerians must rise and defend their ancestral homes, lives, properties and take back their country. Enough of the docility.”
On Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, gunmen carried out a deadly assault in Jos North, Plateau State, killing at least 28 people and injuring many others.
Initial police reports confirmed 14 deaths, but subsequent discoveries raised the toll to 28 killed, with many others injured and hospitalised.
Witnesses described the assailants as wearing military-style uniforms and opening fire indiscriminately on residents. The attack coincided with Palm Sunday celebrations, intensifying its symbolic and emotional impact.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to prevent reprisals and restore order. Security forces, including tactical police units, were deployed to stabilise the area.
Just hours later, another tragedy struck in Kaduna State, where heavily armed bandits stormed a wedding in Kagarko LGA, killing 13 guests and abducting several others.
The attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles, stormed the wedding venue, firing indiscriminately at guests. Witnesses reported that the bandits operated for nearly an hour without resistance, spreading panic and chaos.
Survivors recounted scenes of terror, with guests scrambling for safety as gunmen shot inside the hall. Families of abducted victims remain in distress, awaiting word from authorities.
Both incidents have sparked outrage, grief, and heightened fears of escalating violence across Nigeria.