- Safiu Kehinde
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has claimed that Nigeria is not doing badly in cushioning the spate of insecurity as compared to other countries.
Ribadu made the claim while addressing the newsmen following his visit to Benue state on Tuesday.
The NSA had visited the state over recent attacks and killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
According to report, the death toll of the recent attacks by herdsmen in Ukum and Logo local government areas of Benue on Thursday and Good Friday has risen to 72.
Speaking during the visit, Ribadu compared Nigeria with countries like war-torn Sudan, military governed Niger, Mali, and Burkina-Faso as well as the Taliban-led Afghanistan.
The NSA held that Nigeria fair better as compared to these countries, stressing that no part of the country is controlled by the insurgents.
While maintaining that issue of insecurity is not an issue that can be immediately addressed, Ribadu urged Nigerians to appreciate the fact that there are people work’s towards curbing the menace.
“Many countries have lost the fight against these evil people. Sudan today do not have government. Niger today is a military government. Mali is a military government. Burkina-Faso is a military government. They face the same problem we are talking about.
“I work in Afghanistan in the past. Today, those people the whole world went to confront and fight are the ones who are in charge of Afghanistan.
“That is to tell you that today in our country, I believe that we are not doing badly, given the massive nature of the challenge. There is no part of Nigeria today controlled by them.
“There is no part of Nigeria controlled and politically in charge by them. We have done fairly well. We are not yet over.
“Issue of security or insecurity is not something you can instantly say you will address. We appeal to Nigerians to give us understanding and appreciate the fact that there are people who are working and it is a matter of time.” Ribadu said.