Bishop Matthew Kukah has issued a direct challenge to the government of President Bola Tinubu, urging decisive action to address the pervasive insecurity gripping northern Nigeria.

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The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, represented by Bishop Kukah, has demanded a thorough investigation into individuals claiming close ties with bandits, emphasizing the urgency for the Federal Government to confront the escalating insecurity in the region.

Speaking to reporters during a function in Rivers State, Bishop Kukah voiced apprehension over the government’s apparent failure to probe individuals asserting connections to bandits.

“It is evident that the Federal Government, at the highest level, is aware of the situation. The intelligence community is well-informed. There are prominent Nigerians openly claiming to possess information beyond public knowledge, and it is incumbent upon the Federal Government to ascertain the identities of those purporting to know the whereabouts of the bandits, as well as those collaborating with them,” Kukah emphasized on Tuesday.

His comments follow reports of influential Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi being summoned for questioning by security agencies regarding his remarks on bandit activities.

Kukah’s concerns extend to the recent surge in school kidnappings, notably the abduction and subsequent release of 137 schoolchildren in Kuriga, Kaduna State. While commending their safe return, he highlighted the psychological trauma inflicted upon the abducted children.