Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has blamed rising insecurity in Nigeria on poor governance, poverty and weak security structures, calling for urgent reforms to the country’s security system to better protect citizens.
Mohammed made the remarks on Sunday during a visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at his private residence in Ibadan. The visit was to sympathise with the government and people of Oyo State over the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the state.
The Bauchi governor was accompanied by leaders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), including the party’s National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, and its governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Yakubu Adamu.
The visit followed the violent attack on schools in Yawota and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed men invaded educational institutions, killed a teacher and abducted more than 45 pupils and staff members.
The incident, which occurred on May 15, saw gunmen storm Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, leaving communities in shock and triggering widespread condemnation across the country.
Since the attack, security agencies have been working alongside the state government to secure the release of the abducted victims, although concerns remain over the safety of those still in captivity.
Governor Mohammed, while speaking with journalists after the meeting, said the purpose of his visit was to express solidarity with Makinde and the people of Oyo State over what he described as a painful national tragedy.
“I am here with our leaders from the Allied People’s Movement to commiserate with our presidential candidate and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, over the ordeal that the people and government of Oyo are going through as a result of the abduction of our schoolchildren and their teachers,” he said.
He noted that the incident had become a source of concern across the country, adding that Nigerians were united in hoping for the safe return of the abducted victims.
Mohammed commended the Oyo State Government for its efforts so far in handling the situation, expressing optimism that the abducted pupils and teachers would soon regain their freedom.
He said the visit was also an opportunity to encourage Governor Makinde to remain strong and continue efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.
“We are truly sharing in the grief. We are here to encourage him that what he is doing to ensure their release is being noticed by the whole nation,” Mohammed said.
The Bauchi governor also described Makinde as a close political associate and a leader with the capacity to make a positive difference in Nigeria’s governance system.
“He is my jolly good friend, a young man with energy, determination and drive, who can do a lot to change the trajectory of leadership and good governance in Nigeria,” he added.
Mohammed further stated that his visit was not only about sympathy but also about strengthening political and personal ties between leaders across different regions of the country.
He said cooperation among political leaders was necessary to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges and restore public confidence in government institutions.
Speaking on the broader issue of insecurity in the country, the Bauchi governor called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, saying it had become clear that existing structures were not delivering the desired results.
He said insecurity in Nigeria was not only a security problem but also a reflection of deeper issues such as poverty, unemployment and weak governance at various levels.
“The security situation is a manifestation of poor governance, poverty and the challenges of daily life,” he said.
Mohammed also urged citizens to take more responsibility in supporting security efforts by refusing to collaborate with criminal elements or act as informants for bandits and kidnappers.
He stressed that insecurity could not be addressed by government alone, but required the active participation of communities and individuals at all levels.
“People need to take responsibility to ensure they do not become informants or collaborate with criminal elements,” he said.
The governor further advised Nigerians to be more conscious during elections, saying that poor leadership choices often contributed to governance failures that eventually fuel insecurity.
He called on voters to ensure they elect leaders who are capable of addressing the country’s challenges effectively.
“Leadership is another factor, and citizens must bring about change. They know where the shoe pinches,” he said.
Mohammed added that while all levels of government must accept responsibility for the current security situation, citizens also have a role to play in demanding accountability and better governance.
“We do not have to exonerate ourselves at any level of leadership — whether at the sub-national, national or local government level,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to use the next election cycle to make informed decisions that would improve governance and strengthen national security.
Meanwhile, top officials of the Oyo State Government, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; and Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Bayo Lawal, were present when Governor Mohammed and his entourage arrived in Ibadan.
The visit comes amid renewed concern over attacks on schools and rural communities in parts of the country, with stakeholders continuing to call for stronger coordination among security agencies and improved intelligence gathering to prevent future incidents.