Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, has issued a strong warning about the ongoing crises across the country, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to experience another civil war.
Speaking at the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, the retired general expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity that continues to threaten the peace and unity of the nation.
The Nigerian Civil War, which took place between 1967 and 1970, left a deep scar on the country, with millions of lives lost and communities shattered. The memories of that brutal conflict still haunt the nation, and many fear that the current wave of violence could lead to another disastrous civil war.
Gowon’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a number of crises, including insurgencies, ethnic clashes, banditry, and other violent conflicts in various regions of the country.
“All the various crises that we are having in Nigeria are so disturbing. This is something that God knows we should not be having after our Civil War,” Gowon said. His words reflected the frustration of many Nigerians who feel that the country has made little progress in ensuring lasting peace since the end of the Civil War.
The retired general, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s military leadership during the Civil War, made it clear that the scars of that conflict should not be reopened. He spoke passionately about the need for Nigerians to avoid the mistakes of the past and focus on unity rather than division.
“I have said and I prayed to God that I hope Nigeria will not go through another period of crisis that we went through,” he added. His prayer was a solemn plea for peace, as he called on Nigerians to remain hopeful for an end to the persistent violence.
In his address, Gowon did not shy away from acknowledging the severity of the nation’s current security situation. However, he expressed optimism that the crises might soon come to an end, urging people to pray for divine intervention.
“Let us pray to God that we are now beginning to see the end of all these crises,” he urged. “Pray to God so that God can touch the hearts of all those who are that way inclined to create problems.”
His call for prayer resonated with many in the audience, who share his concerns about the direction the country is heading. As violence rages on in many parts of Nigeria, the hope for peace seems to be slipping further away, and many Nigerians fear the worst.
Gowon’s statement underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of the country’s many crises, including political instability, ethnic tensions, and economic hardships. The former leader’s call for national unity is a reminder of the importance of working together as one people to overcome these challenges.
For Gowon, the painful memories of the Civil War are a constant reminder of the consequences of division and conflict. He has been a vocal advocate for national reconciliation, believing that the healing process that began after the war should continue and not be undone by the current unrest.
Nigeria’s security challenges are not new, but the scale and intensity of violence in recent years have made the situation even more precarious. Many parts of the country, especially the northeast and northwest, have been plagued by insurgency, banditry, and ethnic violence, leaving communities devastated and displaced.
The Nigerian government has struggled to contain the violence, and many citizens feel that the security forces have been unable to provide adequate protection. The rise of non-state actors, such as militant groups and armed bandits, has further complicated the security landscape.
As the country faces these challenges, Gowon’s words serve as a stark reminder of the fragile state of Nigeria’s peace. The retired general has witnessed firsthand the horrors of civil war, and his concerns about the country’s future are rooted in the painful history of the past.
