The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has attributed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity to poor governance, poverty, and deep-rooted socio-economic challenges, describing the situation as evidence of systemic failure across different levels of leadership.
Mohammed made the remarks on Sunday during a condolence visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan over the abduction of pupils and teachers from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The abducted schoolchildren and their teachers were reportedly taken on May 15, 2026, and have remained in captivity for about a month, intensifying public concern over rising cases of mass kidnappings in parts of the country.
The Bauchi governor, who was accompanied by leaders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), including its National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, and the party’s governorship candidate in Bauchi, Yakubu Adamu, said insecurity reflects broader governance gaps and socio-economic hardship.
According to him, the situation is a manifestation of failures in leadership, poverty levels and deteriorating living conditions, which continue to fuel criminality in different parts of the country.
He urged citizens to take greater responsibility in shaping governance outcomes, particularly through informed electoral choices.
“The security situation is a manifestation of a lack of good governance, poverty and the challenges of life,” Mohammed said.
“Beyond that, I think the citizenry should sit up and make sure they take their destinies into their own hands.
“People need to take their destinies into their own hands to ensure that they do not become informants or play along with criminal tendencies. And, of course, they must make sure that they elect good people to lead them.
“Leadership is another factor, and they must ensure that they bring about change because they know where the shoe pinches,” he added.
The governor, however, noted that responsibility for insecurity cuts across all tiers of government, saying leaders at the sub-national and federal levels cannot absolve themselves of accountability.
He called for stronger collaboration among security agencies and improved synergy between security institutions and local communities in addressing rising threats.
Mohammed said his visit was primarily to sympathise with Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State over the prolonged captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers, while also expressing solidarity with ongoing efforts to secure their release.
“It has been a lingering issue for some time, and we are really sharing the grief with him. We are here to encourage him that what he is doing to ensure their release is being noticed by the whole nation,” he said.
He expressed optimism that efforts by the Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies would soon lead to the safe return of the victims.
The Bauchi governor also used the visit to commend Makinde’s leadership qualities, describing him as a “young man with energy, determination and drive” capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Mohammed further suggested that Nigeria’s security architecture requires urgent review to strengthen coordination among security agencies and improve effectiveness in tackling insecurity.
He was received alongside other dignitaries by top officials of the Oyo State Government, including the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; and Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Bayo Lawal.
The visit comes amid renewed concerns over the rising wave of kidnappings targeting schoolchildren and rural communities across several parts of the country.
