Human rights lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has condemned the rising wave of violence linked to armed groups commonly referred to as “herdsmen,” describing the situation as a full-blown national security emergency.
In a statement, Ejiofor said attacks once dismissed as isolated clashes have now spread across several states, leaving destruction, displacement, and fear in their wake.
The senior lawyer warned that treating the crisis with hesitancy would amount to a grave national miscalculation.
According to him, rural communities continue to suffer repeated attacks, destruction of farmlands, mass displacement, and worsening insecurity.
“This is no longer conjecture; it is a lived and recurring tragedy,” he stated.
He further alleged that Nigeria is increasingly confronting heavily armed groups operating with “coordination, audacity, and impunity.”
The human rights lawyer raised concerns about possible connections within the wider Sahel security network.
“When communities are invaded in broad daylight and lives are extinguished without restraint.
“When homes are razed, livelihoods destroyed, and perpetrators escape without consequence, the narrative decisively changes.
“This is no longer mere conflict; it is a deepening national security crisis,” he contended.
Ultimatums not reliable
Ejiofor also cautioned communities, particularly youths in Ogoni, against relying on ultimatums as a response to armed attacks.
He argued that violent groups neither give notice nor respect warnings.
“An ultimatum without concrete security structures and preparedness risks becoming a dangerous illusion of control,” he warned.
While acknowledging the fears and frustrations of affected communities, he stressed that courage must be matched with strategy, intelligence, and coordinated lawful action.
He also called for stronger inter-regional and cross-border security cooperation.
According to him, violent attacks have spread from traditional flashpoints such as Benue State and Plateau State to other parts of the country.
“No part of Nigeria is insulated. Security is indivisible; a threat ignored in one region will inevitably spread and multiply,” he stated.
Ejiofor maintained that the continued expansion of violent attacks across the North Central, South East, South South, and South West poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s stability and future.
“Nigeria stands today at a defining crossroads. The issue is no longer whether this threat exists; that is self-evident.
“The real question is whether it will be confronted with the urgency, sincerity, unity, and resolve it demands,” he added.
