But the problem appears insurmountable, made difficult by the resilience of the criminals behind the enterprise, and the involvement of a global, jihadist network. In the last week of May, the Governor of Oyo State had made a plea for the urgent establishment of state police. He was speaking against the background of the abduction of 45 persons: teachers and students, some as young as two years old in his state on 15 May. He accused the Federal Government of deceiving Nigerians. The growing, alarming epidemic of insecurity in the country points to state failure, abdication of responsibility, and the helplessness of the people, even if we get the occasional report that the security agencies are trying their best to fight the problem. The Armed Forces of Nigeria have since been drawn into the emergency, that is what it is, and these gallant soldiers are overstretched having to do police work.
Insecurity: Fresh calls for state police, By Reuben Abati
