Amanze Chinonye
Former Minister of Education and co-founder of Transparency International, Oby Ezekwesili, on Monday issued a strongly worded condemnation of the persistent killings across Nigeria, accusing federal and state authorities of failing in their constitutional duty to protect citizens.
Ezekwesili described ongoing arguments over whether the targeted attacks amount to genocide as “silly debates,” insisting that such discussions distract from the urgent need for decisive government action to halt the bloodshed.
“Of what use are governments that cannot protect their own people? Of what use are leaders who do not value the lives of their people?” she said, warning that the normalization of mass killings signals a dangerous erosion of empathy in the country.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelReferencing her frontline advocacy during the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, an episode that helped establish her global reputation as a human rights advocate, Ezekwesili said Nigerians who demanded action at the time were dismissed, attacked or ignored.
She noted that the failure to decisively punish the perpetrators of the Chibok abductions created an atmosphere of impunity that led to further atrocities, including the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls’ kidnapping and the rise of mass abductions-for-ransom across the country.
According to her, government indifference has left countless families across Nigeria suffering the same anguish experienced by the Chibok parents, Leah Sharibu’s family and many victims of violent attacks.
“When your fellow humans tell you they are being targeted, learn to listen with human compassion,” she said, criticising what she called the “death and dearth of empathy” fueling definitional debates about genocide in the face of daily killings.
Ezekwesili also recalled that even former Information Minister Lai Mohammed once described the situation as genocide in 2023, questioning why the issue has now become politicised.
She further urged the government led by President Donald Trump’s Nigerian counterpart to fulfil its duty of care to every citizen, saying it “should not take threats or insults from foreign leaders” before action is taken to protect Nigerians.
“One more Nigerian does not deserve to be killed while our governments do nothing,” Ezekwesili said. “Be human beings for once. Stop the bloodshed in our land.”
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
