Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across Nigeria, particularly the recent attacks on schools, communities and innocent citizens.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Pantami condemned the growing wave of killings, kidnappings and violent attacks in several parts of the country, describing the trend as a serious threat to national security and the future of Nigeria.
He cited recent incidents in Kogi, Plateau, Oyo and Borno states, where terrorists and armed groups reportedly attacked communities, abducted residents and targeted educational institutions.
According to Pantami, terrorists recently invaded Ayegunle Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing a resident, injuring others and abducting more than 15 people, including passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle.
He also referenced the attack on Gwon-Ajang village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, where armed men reportedly killed at least eight people and injured several others during a birthday celebration.
Pantami described the repeated attacks on schools as particularly disturbing, noting that educational institutions should remain safe spaces for learning and development.
He pointed to recent attacks in Oyo State, where gunmen reportedly abducted dozens of pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, leading to the closure of some schools in neighbouring communities.
The former minister also highlighted the attack on schools in Mussa community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, where insurgents allegedly abducted scores of children, many of them nursery and primary school pupils.
According to him, the continuous targeting of schools poses a grave danger to the country’s future because schools serve as centres for nurturing the next generation of leaders.
“Any attack on a school is, in essence, an attack on Nigeria’s future,” he stated.
Pantami called on security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security measures across the country, with particular attention to schools, rural communities, highways and other vulnerable locations.
He reminded government authorities of their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, citing Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
To tackle the country’s evolving security challenges, Pantami advocated the deployment of modern technology-driven solutions, including surveillance drones, satellite mapping systems, facial recognition technology, geospatial intelligence tools and advanced communication systems to improve monitoring and rapid response capabilities.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening intelligence gathering and information sharing, arguing that local communities possess valuable knowledge that can help security agencies identify threats before attacks occur.
According to him, community-based intelligence supported by modern technology remains one of the most effective approaches to combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Pantami extended his condolences to the families of victims affected by the recent attacks and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted persons and bring perpetrators to justice.
He further called for collective action to address insecurity and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
The former minister concluded by offering prayers for peace, security and stability across Nigeria while seeking divine protection for citizens and communities affected by violence.
