Matawalle Calls for Prayer, Public Support as Nigeria's Insecurity Persists

Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence Bello Muhammad Matawalle has appealed to citizens to pray for an end to the nation's escalating security challenges, stating that resolution requires intervention beyond human capacity combined with coordinated action from security forces and the public. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Matawalle urged Nigerians to back ongoing security operations while warning political figures against weaponising the crisis for electoral advantage.

The appeal comes amid a renewed surge in attacks and abductions across multiple states. Between May 15 and 17, gunmen raided three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers.

In Borno State, armed groups attacked a school in Mussa in Askira Uba Local Government Area, with reports indicating 42 pupils were taken. These incidents underscore the breadth of the security threat facing the country.

Matawalle stressed that insecurity does not discriminate based on political affiliation or religious identity, affecting Nigerians across demographic lines. He criticised opposition figures for appearing indifferent to the situation and accused some of attempting to incite public dissatisfaction rather than contribute to solutions.

The minister emphasised that security agencies and citizens must work in tandem to address the challenge. Security operations continue across affected regions as the government presses efforts to counter terrorist groups and armed criminals.

Matawalle's remarks reflect the administration's positioning of the insecurity problem as transcending partisan politics and requiring sustained national commitment alongside prayer and spiritual intervention.