Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has advised the Federal Government to go beyond issuing threats to the bandits. The government should begin to act on intelligence reports from security agencies.
In reaction to the recent attack on a catholic church in Owo, Ondo state, Falana charged the government eloquently. He called for immediate action using alerts from security agencies. This is most especially the Department of State Services (DSS).
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Gunmen had attacked St Francis Catholic Church in Owo. In the process, the assailants killed many worshippers and injuring several others. President Muhammadu Buhari and other state governments have condemned this incident.
Falana cited instances of when DSS had issued intelligence reports; yet nothing was done about it.
The statement reads:
The Department of State Services (DSS) had on March 20 issued a statement claiming that it had discovered plans to cause violence in parts of the country; particularly in the north-central.
Exactly nine days later, a group of terrorists attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train, killed over a dozen passengers and injured several others.
Also added:
Once again, on April 26, 2022, the SSS alerted Nigerians on alleged plans by some dangerous elements to launch bomb attacks on critical infrastructure and public places like worship and relaxation centres. This is especially during and after the festive celebrations.
As predicted, a group of unmasked armed terrorists stormed the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state where they detonated explosives in the church; and then gunned down worshippers during service on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
After the terrorist attack, the Ondo police command was reported to have deployed officers of the explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) unit; better known as the anti-bomb squad, to Owo local government area.
As expected, the federal government has condemned the reckless attack on the worshippers; and threatened to bring the criminal elements to justice.
However, governments at all levels must go beyond issuing threats. It is common knowledge that every country involved in the prosecution of war on terror is required to train security personnel; and acquire adequate security gadgets to protect the people.
Therefore, the federal government should ensure that the nation’s airports, trains, buses, courts, schools, malls, churches, mosques, banks; and other public places are provided with screening machines and CCTV cameras.
As a matter of urgency, the federal government and the various state governments should promptly act on intelligence reports compiled by the State Security Service; and other security agencies.
