Over 10,000 Nigerians Killed in 2 Years — Leaders Unite Across Divides to Say Enough
On a recent visit to a Middle Belt state, I witnessed firsthand the despondency of communities losing faith in dialogue and peace. It was clear that silence was no longer an option.
I contacted leaders across political, ethnic, and religious divides to begin a dialogue. Together — former ministers, party leaders, civil society advocates, and academics — we resolved to issue this statement, calling for a recalibration of our security system and a renewal of our national ethos.
Though we, the signatories, differ on many fronts, we are united in our Nigerianess, shared humanity, and faith in a common destiny. Drafting this statement was as educative as it was enlightening — it tested our opinions, forced us to confront the complexity of the crisis, and compelled us to rise above prejudice.
This statement is our collective expression of hope: we can still stem the bloodletting and rekindle our national possibilities.
For perspective: while Ukraine lost about 12,000 civilians in two years of war, and Syria averages 3,000–5,000 deaths annually, Nigeria has lost over 10,000 lives to violent killings, while officially “at peace.” From Benue and Plateau to Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, the Northeast, and the Southeast, Nigerians bleed as though at war.
This Joint Statement by Concerned Nigerian Leaders is a call to conscience. Please read it, share it, and let history record that we did not stay silent.
Osita Chidoka
24 August 2025
