As Christians in Nigeria and across the globe mark Easter—a season symbolizing sacrifice, hope, and renewal—the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised alarm over deepening insecurity, government inaction, and worsening national despair.
In a strongly worded Easter statement, CISLAC described Nigeria’s current condition as a “national trauma,” lamenting that what should be a time of reflection has instead become “a painful reminder of lives cut short, families shattered, and a country steadily descending into insecurity, economic hardship, and official indifference.”
Citing the recent attacks on Logo and Gbagir communities in Benue State’s Ukum Local Government Area, as well as the massacre in Plateau State that claimed over 50 lives, CISLAC said the violence across Nigeria reflects a “breakdown in governance and a failure of the state to protect its people.”
“These are not isolated incidents,” the statement noted. “Killings in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, and other parts of the country reinforce the fact that violence has become pervasive, and no region is immune.”
“What makes this reality even more painful is the absence of empathy and decisive leadership from the Tinubu administration,” CISLAC declared, decrying what it described as the President’s silence and detachment from the people in a time of national mourning.
“Leadership is not just about holding office; it is about being present in times of peace and, more importantly, in times of crisis,” the group said. “Governance cannot be handled from a distance. National empathy cannot be replaced by press releases or social media posts.”
The organization further criticized the continued allocation of significant security funds despite growing insecurity. “The more financial resources are pumped into the system, the more insecurity seems to escalate—raising serious concerns about the strategic will to confront and end these atrocities,” the statement said.
CISLAC also condemned the early politicking ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that political ambition is being prioritized over national stability. “This obsession with political positioning, at a time of national emergency, is reckless and deeply irresponsible,” it warned.
The group called for an end to what it described as the politicization of killings. “Regardless of religion, tribe, ethnicity, or geographical identity, a killer is a killer and must be treated as such,” the organization emphasized. “We must end this dangerous practice of assigning political value to human life and instead return to governance rooted in justice and equality.”
CISLAC also cautioned against the misuse of security forces for political purposes, particularly in opposition-controlled states where political actors have allegedly threatened violence to justify the imposition of illegal states of emergency.
“Nigerians are not statistics or stepping stones to power. They are citizens—people with dignity, rights, and lives that matter,” the group affirmed.
As the nation reflects on the significance of Easter, CISLAC called for a national rebirth. “It is time for our leaders to rediscover the moral courage to serve with empathy, fairness, accountability, and urgency. We cannot continue on this dark and dangerous path,” the group stated.
“The blood of innocent citizens must no longer be the price we pay for government failure.”
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance, human rights, and social justice, CISLAC vowed to continue holding power accountable. “The journey to national renewal demands truth, courage, and action—and CISLAC will not relent.”
