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A Nation Held Hostage: The Shameful Politics of Calling Terrorists ‘Our Brothers

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When Nigeria’s Leaders Call Terrorists “Peacemakers”: The Dangerous Normalisation of Banditry

By FEMI OYEWALE

In a country bleeding from years of insurgency, mass abductions, jihadist expansion, and rural terror, one would expect political leaders to speak with clarity, courage, and conviction. But in today’s Nigeria, many officeholders have chosen a dangerous path: romanticising terrorists, legitimising bandits, and publicly describing armed killers as “our brothers,” “misunderstood youths,” or even “commanders of peace.”
This is not just reckless rhetoric — it is a national tragedy unfolding in real time.
FROM BANDITS TO ‘STAKEHOLDERS’: THE NEW POLITICAL LANGUAGE OF APPEASEMENT
Over the past five years, Nigerians have witnessed a disturbing linguistic and political shift. Terms that should be unequivocal — terrorists, jihadists, criminal gangs, bandit militias — are quietly being replaced with softer, sanitised labels in official statements.
Suddenly, men who burn villages, abduct schoolchildren, rape women, ambush soldiers, and extort helpless communities are being presented as:
Repentant fighters
Peace ambassadors
Community partners
Aggrieved citizens
Negotiators
Commanders of peace
This rebranding is not accidental. It is politically convenient, financially motivated, and rooted in a mixture of fear, corruption, and shortsighted calculations.
THE COST OF NORMALISING VIOLENCE
Security experts warn that elevating militants to the status of “partners” has three devastating consequences:
1. Terrorists Gain Political Legitimacy
Armed groups suddenly become power brokers — issuing conditions, attending negotiations, and influencing local governance.
Crimes against humanity evaporate with a handshake and a press conference.
2. Citizens Lose Trust in the State
Families who lost loved ones to bandits watch in disbelief as politicians pose for photos with the same men who destroyed their communities.
This deepens resentment, erodes confidence, and fractures national unity.
3. Violence Becomes Profitable
Once bandits realise that killing, kidnapping, and terrorising civilians earn them government attention — and in some cases, financial incentives — they escalate attacks to strengthen their bargaining position.
THE POLITICIANS WHO COURT BANDITS
From northern lawmakers openly advocating amnesty for bandits, to state governors hosting “peace talks” with armed killers in luxury hotels, the message is unmistakable:
Crime pays.
Violence pays more.
Terrorism pays best.
For some political actors, bandits serve useful purposes:
Useful for controlling restive communities
Useful for influencing elections
Useful as bargaining chips with federal authorities
Useful for sustaining patronage networks that flourish in chaos
And so, the cycle is sustained — deliberately or otherwise.
THE HYPOCRISY: NIGERIA PAMPERS TERRORISTS BUT PUNISHES PROTESTERS
The double standard is glaring.
While bandits are called “brothers”, young Nigerians protesting peacefully for police reform are branded “troublemakers,” “instigators,” or “security threats.”
While terrorists who kill soldiers receive cash, accommodation, and reintegration packages, unemployed graduates who join peaceful demonstrations face arrests, court charges, or brutal crackdowns.
This contradiction exposes the moral erosion at the heart of governance.
A NATION REBRANDING ITS OWN ENEMIES
Nigeria remains one of the few nations where:
Terrorists are defended by politicians
Bandits receive state escorts
Jihadists attend negotiation tables
Militants are prioritised over their victims
Leaders publicly introduce criminals as “partners in peace”
It is a bleak reflection of a nation losing its moral compass — and its ability to clearly distinguish right from wrong.
THE REAL TRUTH: THERE CAN BE NO PEACE WITHOUT JUSTICE
Experts agree: appeasement does not stop terrorism — it strengthens it.
Countries that successfully defeated insurgencies did not do so by massaging the egos of killers. They relied on:
Strong political will
Professional, intelligence-driven operations
Community-based security networks
Economic development initiatives
Zero tolerance for armed groups
Until Nigeria returns to these principles, the crisis will continue to deepen.
NIGERIA MUST STOP HONOURING THOSE WHO DESTROY IT
Every time a leader calls a bandit a “commander of peace,” Nigeria loses a piece of its soul.
Every time a terrorist is rewarded instead of prosecuted, the nation’s moral foundation collapses further.
The truth is simple — and painful:
No country has ever achieved peace by flattering its executioners.
Nigeria must choose:
Stand with its citizens, or stand with their tormentors.
The nation’s future depends on this choice.


A Nation Held Hostage: The Shameful Politics of Calling Terrorists ‘Our Brothers

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Revival Atmosphere as Dominion City Launches Night of Glory 2026.

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Revival Atmosphere as Dominion City Launches Night of Glory 2026.

 

 

Lagos – The atmosphere was charged with faith, worship, and expectancy as Dominion City’s Global Camp Meeting 2026 entered its peak with the first day of the “Night of Glory,” drawing thousands of worshippers to Lagos and Enugu in a powerful display of spiritual revival.

 

Held at the Golden Heart Place, Ajah, Lagos, the Friday evening gathering marked a significant moment in the ongoing six-day conference themed “Redigging the Wells of Our Fathers.” Participants from across Nigeria and beyond converged both physically and online, united by a shared hunger for divine encounter and transformation.

 

From the outset, the meeting was characterised by intense worship sessions led by gospel ministers, creating an atmosphere many attendees described as “tangible with God’s presence.” The night quickly transitioned into sessions of fervent prayers, prophetic ministrations, and teachings centred on restoration, healing, and spiritual awakening.

 

Presiding over the meeting, Dr. David Ogbueli, founder of Dominion City, charged participants to reconnect with foundational truths and spiritual disciplines necessary for personal and societal transformation. He emphasised that the “Night of Glory” was designed as a moment of divine visitation where destinies could be reshaped.

 

“As we redig the wells of our fathers, we are reconnecting with ancient graces and covenant realities that produce undeniable results,” he declared.

 

As the night unfolded, several remarkable testimonies were shared, reinforcing the theme of supernatural intervention. Among them was the case of a 14-year-old girl who was reportedly delivered from a seven-year struggle with pornography addiction, an experience that drew emotional reactions from the congregation.

 

Other testimonies included reported healing from cancer, recovery from a severe skin infection attributed to spiritual affliction, the healing of a heart-related condition, and three years of a non-menstrual period. Attendees also recounted instances of restored hearing and sight, with individuals testifying to improvements from partial deafness and blindness, among others.

 

Fathers of faith present were Barrister Emeka Nwankpa, Pastor Yemi Ayodele, Rev. Pade Tokun, Apostle Gbenga Adegbenro, Rev. Mike Adegbile, and others. Other Ministers present, including Pastor Dr. Charles Ndifon, Pastor Randy Mitchell, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and others, reinforced messages of faith and the power of God to intervene in human situations. They encouraged worshippers to remain steadfast and receptive, noting that miracles often spring from an atmosphere of unwavering belief.

 

Beyond the miraculous, the gathering also underscored a broader call to moral and spiritual renewal. Church leaders reiterated the need for believers to embody values that can positively influence society, especially in a time of perceived moral decline.

 

The “Night of Glory” is part of the larger Global Camp Meeting, which began on April 1 and will run through April 6, featuring daily teachings, leadership sessions, and specialized programmes for youths and families.

 

Organisers say expectations remain high for the second night, with many believing that the wave of miracles and transformation witnessed on the first night is only the beginning.

 

For many attendees, however, the message was clear beyond the signs and wonders; the true essence of the gathering lies in a renewed commitment to live transformed lives and impact society. //END.//

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Easter: Obasa Urges Christians To Embrace Hope, Unity, Renewal

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Easter: Obasa Urges Christians To Embrace Hope, Unity, Renewal

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated Christian faithful in Lagos and across Nigeria on the celebration of Easter, urging them to draw strength from the lessons of Christ’s resurrection.

In his Easter message, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the season as a reminder of victory over despair, renewal after trials, and the triumph of light over darkness. He noted that just as Christ overcame death, Nigeria can overcome its current challenges if citizens remain steadfast, prayerful, and committed to unity.

“Easter is a season of hope and renewal. As a nation, we face economic pressures and security concerns, but the resurrection teaches us that no situation is beyond redemption. Let us roll away the stones of division and despair, and work together for peace, justice, and prosperity,” the Speaker said.

He called on Lagosians to continue to show love and compassion to one another, stressing that collective effort is key to building a stronger Lagos and a better Nigeria.

Obasa prayed that the joy of Easter would fill homes with renewed faith and guide both leaders and citizens toward a brighter future.

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PDP CHIEFTAIN, ONIRETI RESIGNS FROM PARTY, CITES PERSONAL REFLECTION

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*PDP CHIEFTAIN, ONIRETI RESIGNS FROM PARTY, CITES PERSONAL REFLECTION

 

A former House of Representatives candidate, Olufemi Onireti, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.

His resignation was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Chairman of PDP Osupa Ward 9, Ogbomoso North Local Government, on Thursday.

Onireti described the decision as a difficult but necessary step after what he termed a period of “deep personal reflection.”

“I hereby formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” he wrote.

He acknowledged his years of active involvement in the party, including contesting for the House of Representatives in the last general election, noting that the PDP had offered him a platform for political participation, service, and growth.

Despite his exit, Onireti expressed appreciation to party leaders and members for the support he enjoyed over the years.

“I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the relationships and experiences I gained during my time in the party.
I wish the party well in its future endeavours,” he added.

The development is expected to generate discussions within the Ogbomoso North political circle, as observers await his next political move.

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