A former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.

Amaechi criticised the Federal Government for what he described as a lack of political will to curb killings, terrorist attacks, and mass kidnappings across the country.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, the former minister of transportation between 2015 and 2022 said the failure to protect citizens has emboldened terrorists and eroded public trust.

“The government has failed to provide adequate protection for its citizens, as evidenced by the surge in terrorist attacks and mass kidnappings in some parts of the country, challenging our national security.

“This failure to act decisively has sadly emboldened terrorists and eroded public trust,” he said.

He listed a series of violent incidents within a single week, including attacks on citizens in Plateau State, ”

the reported attack and kidnapping of secondary schoolgirls in Kebbi; an ambush on soldiers in Borno resulting in the abduction and killing of a Brigadier General, M. Uba; the attack on a church in Kwara; and the kidnapping of a priest, Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, in Kaduna.”

Amaechi called on the government to strengthen military intelligence, sharpen tactical operations, and ensure the security of lives and property.

“To Mr President, your primary assignment is the security of lives and property. Enough of looking the other way or issuing watery statements of condemnation.

“Prioritising a summit or jetting out for whatever reason when Nigerians are dying can never be the trait of a good leader.

“It is time to probe wrong decisions, strategise, and make tough calls,” he said.

He added that decisive leadership, better intelligence coordination, and accountability are critical to tackling the current insecurity.

“We did it in Rivers State; it can be done in the country. We are prepared to help if you request help,” Amaechi said.

The criticism comes amid a wave of violence that has drawn widespread condemnation.

In Kebbi State, gunmen attacked a high school before dawn on Monday, abducting 25 schoolgirls and killing at least one staff member.

Also, suspected bandits on Tuesday launched two separate evening assaults in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku branch, during a special service, shooting sporadically and targeting worshippers.

It was gathered that three worshippers were killed on the spot, while the pastor and an unspecified number of congregants were abducted into the bush.

In Borno, Islamic State West Africa Province fighters ambushed soldiers on Friday, killing four, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was initially reported missing.

President Tinubu confirmed Uba’s death on Wednesday, condemning the attack and Kebbi abduction.