JNI Blasts Tinubu Government Over Rising Killings, Boko Haram Resurgence, and Ethnic Violence

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has strongly condemned the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, raising alarm over a surge in killings, kidnappings, ethnic violence, and renewed Boko Haram attacks.

In a statement released in Abuja and signed by Secretary-General Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the JNI accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to act decisively to curb the persistent violence.

The group decried repeated intelligence failures and inadequate responses that have left communities vulnerable to attacks by insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers.

“The Federal Government must adopt a proactive stance on national security,” the statement read. “The recurring incidents of abductions, killings, and ethnic clashes are deeply troubling and demand immediate action.”

The group also reacted to the recent massacre of Muslim wedding guests traveling from Zaria, Kaduna to Mangu in Plateau State, calling it a targeted attack by what it described as “Plateau Christian mobs.” JNI referenced past violent incidents in the region, including the 2011 Eid massacre in Jos and the 2018 killing of Brig. Gen. Idris Alkali (rtd), claiming consistent impunity has fueled further violence.

JNI demanded:

• Prosecution of all suspects arrested over the Mangu killings
• Compensation for victims’ families
• Replacement of the Ahmadu Bello University bus destroyed during the attack

In response, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged religious bodies to refrain from inciting rhetoric and instead focus on promoting peace. Reverend John Hayab, Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern states and FCT, condemned the killings but called for collective responsibility rather than blame.

“When leaders play the blame game, the violence only worsens,” Hayab said. “We must hold those within our own communities accountable.”

Beyond Plateau, JNI expressed alarm at insecurity across Nigeria, highlighting:

• Renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and the North-East
• Killings in Kebbi’s Zuru LGA
• Bandit activities in Sokoto
• Attacks on Muslims in Benue
• Rising kidnappings in Kwara, including an arson attack on the Emir of Lafiagi’s palace

JNI warned that “justice delayed is justice denied,” and urged security agencies to improve intelligence and swiftly bring perpetrators to justice.