Prominent Nigerian celebrities have called out the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for handling the issue of security in the country with kid gloves.
Recently, Plateau State Police Command confirmed the killing of 86 persons in attacks on Razat, Ruku, Nyarr, Kura and Gana-Ropp villages of Gashish District in Barkin Ladi Local Government.
But unconfirmed sources have claimed that over 200 people lost their lives in the attack believed to have been perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen.
Also, no fewer than 9 people were killed, 54 vehicles burnt in a tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge, Lagos.
Reacting, celebrities, over the weekend, took to their social media accounts, berating the Federal Government over its failure to protect lives of its citizens.
They called on the government to be accountable and hold those responsible for the death of Nigerians, rather than calling for prayers on incidents which could have been averted if a proper system was in place.
Buhari in a statement during his condolence visit to Plateau said, “There is nothing I can do to help the situation except to pray to God to help us out of the security challenges”.
However, Celebrities noted that these would continue if those responsible for killings, poor maintenance of roads, amongst others were not held responsible.
Genevieve Nnaji leading the deluge of messages of the celebrities on social media platforms called on Nigerians to sign a petition to restrict movement of trucks in Nigeria.
“So many questions to be asked, Why are we devoid of love of man and fear of God? Why has value for human live depreciated? why are we left helpless and defenceless in our own country?
“We will continue to pray for souls lost in these senseless massacres but this country needs more than just prayers at this point.May the souls of all the faithful departed Rest In Peace. Amen. Let our actions do the talking by signing the petition against truck movement,” she wrote.
Also lending her voice on the issue, Simi called on Nigerians to stop stressing on prayers and hold the government accountable for the latest killings.
“I can’t help but believe that if we were less religious, our country would be thriving more. Many of us are waiting for God to come down and do everything.
“If the trailer with a tanker of fuel wasn’t were it shouldn’t have been in the first place, will this have escalated to this point? If law enforcement actually did their jobs, will this have escalated? I’m not God, but I doubt it.
“Who is in charge of enforcing the laws that concern trailer traffic? If a car runs into a truck with no taillights in the middle of the night, and people die in hospitals because there are no basic equipment, and people kill other human beings because of COWS – is it God’s wrath or our own wickedness?
“And now I see a lot of people spreading fear and making a lot of our man-made problems into spiritual attacks. We serve a living God, right? And he gave us sense? Let’s use it.I’m sorry, but “just pray” can’t be all there is. It’s not okay. Someone’s negligence is responsible for this, there need to be consequences. I refuse to believe God pre-ordained this selfishness and nonchalant attitude. We have to play our own part.
“If there are no consequences, we all need to break something. If wicked people get away with their wickedness, other wicked people become confident in their wickedness.
“God has not given us the spirit of fear. Let us hold the government accountable. Let’s hold ourselves accountable.”
Adesua Etomi wrote, “Please make roads safer for us. If it’s not dangerous potholes, it’s traffic robberies, if it’s not traffic robberies it’s kidnappings, if it’s not that it’s SARS, if it’s not SARS it’s containers falling, if it’s not that it’s tankers catching fire…surely, more must be done.”
Timi Dakolo “Are we at war? Are we on self-destruction mode or are we paying the price of something we don’t know?
“The truth is that many of these things happening in the country can be avoided,from the trailer carrying containers that have nothing holding them back incase of potholes to trucks that have outlived their days still un the business of carrying petroleum products, to buses without brakes still carrying passengers, to same buses loading passengers in the middle of the road and causing traffic right in front of traffic control officers and police officers.
“These accidents will continue to happen if we dot hold people responsible/accountable.”
AY Makun “What exactly does Road Safety do in Nigeria? Even if anyone believe that we cannot stop some of these disasters, we should at least arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn’t have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness.
” My question is what are these tankers doing on the road with other vehicles during the day? Luck is a very thin wire between survival and disaster, and not many people can keep their balance on it. This could have happened to anyone of us today as we go about our daily hustles.”
Yvonne Jegede on her Instagram expressed her grievance writing, “This is not a spiritual problem. No country in this world prays more than Nigerians. We need to take actions.
“Will it have been better if a convoy of one of our esteemed leaders was on that bridge when the fire broke out? Will proper measures be taken immediately?”
Popular actress, Kate Henshaw on her part wrote: “It is time to stand up act. Prayers without actions amount to nothing
Donjazzy wrote “God is not happy with us as a country and we know why. What do we do now?”
Ruggedman: “Petrol or flammable liquid isn’t transported on public roads, especially during the day in other countries.
“Will the owner of the truck be held accountable? or will some bastards collect bribe and sweep these under the rug?
Actress, Lizzy Anjorin in her post said “If they continue to slaughter all of us, who will vote when elections come next year.”
In Olamide’s words, “We are all in this mess together. We have to hold our politicians accountable for every kobo spent. The era when we look away was over, but as from now on, everybody’s voice must be heard. This is democracy.”
Actor turned politician, Desmond Eliot, wrote on his Instagram: “I cannot tell what is going on, but these much I know something isn’t right somewhere. We need to pray for our land. The calamity is too much in one week, so many lives lost. Lord have mercy on your people.
“Many children are not seeing their fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles. Many left homes and never returned. Lord have peace mearcy! Peace in the land…North, South East and West. Lord Pour out your peace upon us once again.”
Actress Oshadipe Kehinde wrote: “I was still thinking of how to put my thoughts together about the Plateau massacre, and then the Lagos incident surfaced. Honestly, I am tired of praying for Nigeria when I know the source of the problem.
“May all the people responsible for the unnecessary loss of lives, properties, disappointments, unempolyments, low life, and evil in Nigeria experience the worst evil on earth. I am very angry and sad.
“There are too many evil people running the affairs of the nation. Please, God avenge the death of the innocents as their blood continually cries to you. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
Sammie Okposo wrote: “Oh God have mercy on Nigeria; let peace reign. We pray for the souls of the departed to rest in peace. Comfort the families of the departed. Heal our hearts, and our lands, oh Lord.”
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