In his recent Independence Day address, President Bola Tinubu highlighted what he described as notable successes in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry. According to him, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders had been eliminated by security forces, marking progress in the government's campaign to restore peace. However, while these achievements are commendable, the security situation in the country remains dire. Almost daily, Nigerians face threats from criminals who abduct, rob, and kill innocent citizens, with even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) not being spared from these attacks.
Perhaps the most disturbing example of the ongoing insecurity is the growing trend of bandits targeting hospitals. The brutal activities of these terrorists, dubbed bandits, reflect the severity of the situation. Their audacity is evident, as they carry out attacks without fear of retribution, even abducting patients and healthcare workers from medical facilities.
In a particularly brazen incident, bandits recently abducted two nurses and an unspecified number of patients from the Primary Healthcare Centre in Kuyallo, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The attackers reportedly intended to target a nearby secondary school but, upon finding it empty, turned their attention to the healthcare facility. The lack of telecommunication coverage in the area meant residents were unable to alert authorities, allowing the criminals to act with impunity.
This attack is just one in a series of similar incidents. In Katsina State, bandits stormed the Kurfi General Hospital, shooting a watchman and abducting four women, including the wife of a health official. In another heartbreaking case, a nursing mother and her three children were abducted, with the bandits only releasing the woman and her twins after a ransom payment. They continued to hold her young son, demanding additional money.
The abduction of patients and healthcare workers from hospitals is not only cruel but also indicative of the growing lawlessness in parts of Nigeria. These vulnerable individuals, already suffering from medical conditions, are subjected to unimaginable hardship, dragged into the bush by criminals who show no regard for their suffering. It is a tragic irony that, in a country where animals in civilised societies receive compassionate care, human beings cannot feel safe even in hospitals.
This brazen disregard for human life is a glaring reminder of the lethargy in addressing the root causes of banditry and terrorism. The bandits’ actions suggest they feel confident in the lack of repercussions, which is why they continue their murderous activities. If Nigeria is to restore security, it must address this sense of impunity and ensure there are severe consequences for such crimes.
President Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry is laudable, but it is clear that much more needs to be done. As the situation stands, criminals seem emboldened by a system that has struggled to effectively punish them. In contrast, countries like Saudi Arabia, China, and North Korea are known for swift and severe punishments for such acts, which has contributed to their lower levels of violent crime. Criminals in those countries are aware of the consequences they face and are less likely to carry out the kinds of atrocities seen in Nigeria.
Nigeria must develop a similar level of resolve in tackling crime. There must be serious, tangible consequences for criminal actions, and the state must make it clear that no one is above the law. It is time to launch an all out war on banditry, one that targets both the criminals and the conditions that allow them to thrive.
The ongoing attacks on hospitals by bandits are a disturbing sign of the insecurity plaguing Nigeria. While the government has made strides in fighting terrorism, the growing audacity of criminals shows that more needs to be done. Hospitals, as places of refuge and healing, must be protected from such heinous attacks. The Nigerian state must demonstrate its resolve by ensuring that bandits face the full force of the law, restoring safety and security to its citizens. Only then can the country move toward lasting peace and stability.