Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned what he described as a “nonsensical” debate over whether more Christians or Muslims are being killed in Nigeria, maintaining that the Federal Government’s primary responsibility is to halt the violence and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. He added that Nigeria should seek international assistance if domestic institutions lack the capacity to address the insecurity.
Obasanjo spoke on Friday at the second edition of the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival in Jos. He noted that the technological capacity to track criminals across the country existed before he left office in 2007, adding that recent advancements should further ease the identification of offenders.
Addressing the large gathering, the former president criticised the framing of victims along religious or ethnic lines, insisting that Nigerians are being killed irrespective of faith or tribe.
He began his remarks by urging Christians to remain steadfast amid the nation’s economic and security challenges, while commending Governor Caleb Mutfwang for initiating a unifying programme for residents of Plateau State.
Quoting scripture, Obasanjo said: “In this world we will have trouble, but I have lived in the world and I have overcome, and so you will overcome.”
He continued: “The government should stop the killing of Nigerians, no matter their religion, tribe, or region. We are being killed, and the killing must stop. We have a right as Nigerians to appeal to the international community for help, and we should offer no apology for that.”
Obasanjo dismissed arguments over which religious or ethnic group suffers a higher number of casualties, describing such discussions as unacceptable. He stressed that prayer must be accompanied by concrete action, urging citizens to demand accountability from leaders at all levels.
He reiterated that Nigeria had already developed mechanisms to track criminals before 2007, emphasising that with today’s technological improvements, perpetrators should be easy to identify.
“Every Nigerian life lost is a shame to Nigeria,” he said. “Every life taken by criminals, regardless of the justification, brings shame to the nation. We must ensure Nigeria gets what it needs.”
The event was attended by Governor Caleb Mutfwang; former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Luther Agwai (rtd); and former governors Senator Jonah Jang, Senator Joshua Dariye, and General Lawrence Onoja.
Notable gospel artists, including Femi Coker, Buchi, Uche Etiaba, and Pastor Chingtok Dangwel, ministered at the programme, which is expected to continue on Saturday with acclaimed gospel singer Sinach scheduled to perform.
