This week, Nigeria confronts a confluence of crises that test its resilience and democratic fabric. In Benue State, deadly attacks by suspected armed herdsmen, increasingly identified as foreign infiltrators, have claimed lives and deepened insecurity, prompting urgent calls for federal intervention.
In Borno, lawmakers sound the alarm over a resurgent Boko Haram, now wielding advanced drones and foreign fighters, exposing gaps in Nigeria’s security strategy. Politically, former President Goodluck Jonathan warns against manipulating the system toward a one-party state, while Senator Shehu Sani predicts a Tinubu landslide in 2027 unless opposition parties unite.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s sharp rebuke of Peter Obi’s criticisms highlights a growing rift over how to address Nigeria’s challenges, and the Defence Headquarters’ claim of foreign herders fueling violence adds complexity to the farmer-herder conflict.
These stories underscore a nation at a crossroads, battling internal divisions and external threats while striving to preserve its democratic ideals.
1. Seven Killed in Fresh Attacks by Suspected Herdsmen in Benue
Suspected armed herders killed at least seven people, including APC chieftain Johnson Akaabo, in attacks on Gwer East and Makurdi LGAs. The assault triggered panic and a mass exodus in affected communities. Local officials praised swift military deployment, but the silence from police authorities fuelled concerns over lingering insecurity.
Why it Matters:
Despite repeated promises, the federal government continues to fall short on halting rural bloodshed. These killings are yet another reminder of Nigeria’s inability to resolve the herder-farmer crisis. The cycle of violence continues to displace rural communities and erode trust in state security. Unfortunately, the death of a political figure also shows that no one is safe, not even those with influence.
2. Boko Haram Now Using Armed Drones, Say Borno Lawmakers
In an emotional session, lawmakers from Borno revealed Boko Haram now operates armed drones and includes foreign fighters. Ahmed Jaha and Zainab Gimba told the House that over 40 civilians and soldiers have been killed in recent attacks, warning that Nigeria’s military strategy is outdated and reactive.
Why it Matters:
The use of drone warfare marks a dangerous shift in Boko Haram’s capabilities. Nigeria is now fighting a smarter, deadlier enemy, while political and military responses remain outdated. With foreign fighters in the mix and regional alliances collapsing, the threat isn’t just local, it’s continental. Without strategic upgrades, insurgents could gain ground, erode public trust, and destabilize Nigeria’s borders, requiring urgent technological and diplomatic responses.
3. Jonathan Warns Against ‘Backdoor’ One-Party State
At a memorial lecture for Edwin Clark, former President Jonathan condemned ongoing political defections to the APC, warning that Nigeria risks sliding into a de facto one-party state through manipulation. He stressed that democracy must not be sacrificed for political expediency.
Why it Matters:
Jonathan’s comments expose real fears that Nigeria’s democracy is slipping into authoritarianism, amid growing APC dominance, fueled by defections that weaken opposition voices. Democracy needs competition, not a coronation. A one-party state, if perceived as engineered, could alienate voters, spark unrest, or embolden separatist sentiments, especially in Nigeria’s diverse polity.
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4. Tinubu’s Victory Certain if Opposition Remains Split — Shehu Sani
Senator Shehu Sani declared Tinubu’s 2027 re-election “a done deal” if opposition parties fail to unite. He blamed internal crises—especially in the PDP—for ongoing defections and argued that ideology plays no role in Nigeria’s politics, only ambition.
Why it Matters:
Sani’s blunt forecast adds weight to Jonathan’s concerns. Without a united front, the 2027 election may be little more than a formality. The absence of ideological grounding in parties, as Sani notes, undermines voter choice and fosters political opportunism. A failure to coalesce could hand Tinubu an easy win, reducing accountability and stifling policy debate.
5. Fix Your Party Before Criticising Nigeria, Akpabio Slams Peter Obi
Senate President Akpabio criticised Peter Obi for his scathing comments about Nigeria’s democracy, saying leaders should resolve their party’s internal disputes before critiquing the nation. Obi, however, defended his statements, insisting Nigeria must confront uncomfortable truths.
Why it Matters:
Akpabio’s rebuke risks silencing dissent, framing criticism as unpatriotic. Obi’s stance resonates with frustrated citizens but polarizes elites. This clash reflects a deeper ideological divide: those who believe in calling out systemic failures versus those who prioritise protecting national image. The tension reveals how uncomfortable Nigeria’s political elite is with criticism, even when backed by facts.
6. DHQ Says Foreign Herders Behind Benue, Plateau Killings
Defence spokesman Major General Markus Kangye blamed non-Nigerian herders for recent massacres, citing linguistic and physical differences. Governors Alia and Mutfwang echoed similar concerns, calling for urgent border reforms.
Why it Matters:
The DHQ’s assertion of foreign involvement complicates the farmer-herder crisis, shifting focus from domestic tensions to border security and regional dynamics. Without a coherent border policy and conflict resolution plan, more lives will be lost.
Conclusion: A Nation on the Edge
Nigeria’s week of turmoil reveals a nation wrestling with existential threats and political fragility. The Benue attacks and Boko Haram’s resurgence expose security failures that demand innovative responses, from border control to counter-terrorism upgrades.
Jonathan’s and Sani’s warnings about democratic backsliding highlight the stakes of political consolidation, while Akpabio’s clash with Obi underscores the challenge of balancing critique with unity. The foreign herder narrative adds urgency to regional cooperation.
As Nigeria approaches 2027, leaders must bridge divides, strengthen institutions, and confront insecurity head-on to avert anarchy and preserve democratic gains.
If this week’s events reveal anything, it is that Nigeria’s future rests less on elections or speeches, and more on whether the nation can rediscover the will to govern, not just rule.