Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala has said state governors and local government chairmen should be held accountable for kidnappings and insecurity within their states, insisting that the Federal Government cannot shoulder all the blame.
Speaking on The Morayo Afolabi-Brown Show, Bwala argued that most kidnappings occur at the local government level, urging Nigerians to demand answers from their governors over security-related funds.
He referenced the Save the School Initiative, a federal programme designed to improve school security through perimeter fencing and early warning systems, questioning how states utilised the funds.
“Every kidnapping and abduction that takes place in any state of Nigeria, hold that governor responsible. Ask your governor where that money went to,” he said.
Bwala also alleged that local governments are often denied direct access to funds meant for grassroots development, noting that such resources could improve healthcare, education, local security and social welfare if properly managed.
He added that the President cannot compel governors to act because Nigeria’s constitutional system gives states significant autonomy.
On the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, Bwala said the government’s priority is to secure their safe release, warning that reckless military action could put the victims’ lives at greater risk.
“The number one responsibility of government in a hostage-taking situation is to rescue them and rescue them alive,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over rising insecurity and renewed calls for greater accountability at all levels of government.
Source: The Morayo Afolabi-Brown Show
