Prof. Okey Ikechukwu has raised concerns over Nigeria’s security situation, saying insecurity is worsening because some of those driving it appear to be untouchable. He also argued that the true number of people killed in violent attacks is much higher than official figures because many incidents in rural communities are never reported.
Speaking during an interview on AIT News, Ikechukwu said official casualty figures only reflect cases that authorities know about, leaving out many attacks in remote villages.
Using Anambra State as an example, he said a highly respected traditional title holder was recently killed on his farm, yet the incident was never reported. He also claimed that in another case, a victim had an arm cut off by attackers before being left behind. According to him, there are communities in Enugu State where residents have fled because of insecurity.
Ikechukwu said these examples show that insecurity is more widespread than many people realise and that rural communities often suffer in silence.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the growing sense of impunity among those behind local insecurity. He questioned how a 17-year-old could openly carry an AK-47 rifle while herding cattle without being stopped, whereas someone found with a pump-action shotgun would be arrested.
According to him, such situations create the impression that some individuals involved in violent activities are beyond the reach of the law. He further alleged that there is complicity in the system, claiming that some suspects who are arrested are released.
In his words, “You see a 17-year-old boy carrying an Ak-47 rifle, walking around freely; if you hold a pump action, you’re arrested…….See More
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