His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said traditional rulers are more deeply troubled by the unrelenting wave of killings and insecurity across Nigeria than the average politician.
Speaking during the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the Sultan said royal fathers across the North have united to address security challenges in a closed-door session.
“Our coming together is to speak with one voice and say ‘enough is enough’ of this senseless killing of innocent people across the North and the entire country,” he declared.
He questioned how many more condemnations would be necessary before political leaders and security agencies take decisive action to curb the violence.
“We feel bad and saddened when our people are killed by unknown assailants. It’s time we stop lamenting and start acting. We will advise our political leaders — they are in charge — and we are ready to work with them,” he added.
While maintaining that traditional rulers are not in rivalry with state governors, the Sultan emphasized their readiness to support and complement the efforts of elected officials.
Addressing recent fears of Boko Haram resurgence, he expressed optimism that with sincerity and collaboration among all stakeholders — political, religious, and traditional — insecurity can be tackled.
“Our mission here is not just about Borno. We’re here to unite and find collective solutions. We must remind ourselves that we are all brothers,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians not to stereotype or blame any tribe, religion, or ethnicity for the country’s security woes, stressing that criminals exist in every group.
With a rising death toll from incidents in Plateau, Sokoto, Kebbi, and other parts of the country, the Sultan described the current situation as “merciless and endless killings,” calling for urgent and united action.
The meeting, themed “Enhanced Security As Panacea For Stability and Development of the North,” was declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
