The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has delivered a powerful rebuke to political leaders over the worsening security crisis in the country, declaring that traditional rulers care more about the bloodshed across Nigeria than many politicians do.
Speaking during the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held behind closed doors in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Sultan lamented the continued loss of lives due to insecurity, particularly in the northern region.
“We’ve condemned these killings multiple times, yet the violence persists,”; the Sultan said.
“It’s time our political leaders and security agencies act decisively to curb this madness.”;
With over 86 traditional rulers in attendance, the Sultan emphasized the urgency of unity among them, urging the northern traditional leadership to take a more active stance in speaking against the rising wave of violence affecting their communities.
He stated that while traditional rulers do not seek to rival political authorities, their commitment to peace and security at the grassroots is often deeper and more consistent than that of some political figures.
“We are not in competition with governors or any political office holders. Our role is to support and collaborate with them in securing our communities,”; he said.
Referring to recent attacks in Plateau, Sokoto, and Kebbi States, the Sultan described the continued killings as “alarming and unacceptable,”; noting that despite repeated outcries, little meaningful action has been taken.
He warned against politicizing or ethnicizing the crisis, stating, “Criminals have no tribe or religion. Bad people exist in every community, and we must not allow division to distract us from finding solutions.”;
The Sultan further called on all stakeholders, government officials, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens—to show genuine commitment to addressing insecurity, insisting that “sincerity and collective effort are key to achieving peace.”;
“Insecurity is a global issue, yes, but we must act locally and urgently. We can’t sit back and watch our people continue to die,”; he said.
