Speakers of State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria, under the aegis of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, have strongly condemned the recent upsurge in attacks and killings in various parts of the country.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Chairman of the Conference, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the Speaker, expressed deep concern over the tragic loss of lives, mass displacement, and emotional trauma inflicted on citizens by the escalating violence.

Ogundoyin noted that the Conference is alarmed by the frequency and brutality of the incidents, as well as the apparent inability to curtail the bloodshed. He stressed that the era of rhetorical condemnations is over, and what the country urgently needs is decisive, coordinated action from all tiers of government.

While acknowledging that matters of defence and national security fall within the purview of the Federal Government, Ogundoyin emphasised that all levels of government must take responsibility for protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians.

He urged state governors to rise to the challenge, reminding them that governance extends beyond infrastructure and ceremonial appearances. He called for the enactment and enforcement of laws that promote community policing and other grassroots-oriented security strategies.

The Conference also encouraged states to develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth participation to combat insecurity effectively.

He further called on the FG to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies, noting that millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis.

Ogundoyin said, “The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria strongly condemns the recent wave of brutal terrorist attacks and killings across several states in the country, notably in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger and most recently, Kwara State.

“These gruesome acts have led to the tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.

“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met.

“The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.

“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people.

“State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions.

“True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering.

“We call on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.

“States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.

“Furthermore, we urge the Federal government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.

“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis.

“It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.

“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country.

“The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.

“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government.”