Nigeria: Ex-presidential candidate decries underreported mass killings, 'dangerous global silence'

Nigeria is grappling with a severe and escalating security crisis, yet the true scale of the violence is being dangerously obscured. Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has voiced grave concerns over the pattern of mass killings occurring in various parts of the country, lamenting the "dangerous global silence" and lack of sustained national and international attention these atrocities are attracting.

“

the true scale of insecurity in Nigeria is being obscured, with repeated attacks in rural communities failing to attract sustained national and international attention.

Olawepo-Hashim pointed to specific incidents in Kebbi and Kwara states, where hundreds have been killed in recent weeks, including security personnel. He also highlighted the alarming situation in the North Central region, with Benue and Plateau states reporting significant fatalities from coordinated attacks. The sheer numbers – potentially hundreds dead in a short period across a single region – should, by any measure, trigger global alarm and humanitarian intervention.

“

These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader and deeply troubling trend of mass killings that are increasingly normalised and dangerously underreported.

However, the former candidate's statement underscores a disturbing trend: these repeated killings are increasingly normalized and treated as mere statistics, rather than the urgent humanitarian crises they represent. This selective attention and "troubling level of silence" are not only morally indefensible but also embolden the armed groups and bandit networks perpetuating this violence. The Nigerian government and the international community must acknowledge the gravity of the situation and ensure adequate security intervention and attention are given to these affected communities.

“

Yet, what we are seeing instead is selective attention and a troubling level of silence.