Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against celebrating the recent United States military strike in Sokoto State, warning that the action could trigger violent reprisals by armed groups.
Ayodele said the attack on the Islamic sect may not weaken insurgents as intended but could instead provoke intensified counter-attacks by terrorists and bandits. He stressed that the development does not offer a lasting solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Warning Issued Via Media Aide
The cleric’s position was conveyed in a statement issued by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin. According to Ayodele, the U.S. action should not be mistaken for meaningful or sustainable assistance to Nigeria, describing it as largely driven by Western strategic interests.
He argued that the strike could leave Nigeria more exposed and complicate ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping, banditry, and insurgency.
“Foreign Intervention Is Not the Solution”
Ayodele insisted that Nigeria’s security problems cannot be resolved through foreign intervention alone, adding that effective solutions must be driven internally by the Nigerian government and its security agencies.
“Nigerians shouldn’t celebrate yet, and President Tinubu shouldn’t celebrate either, because the powerlessness of his government is getting exposed. This won’t stop kidnapping or insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.
He further warned that another attack could follow, urging the government to prepare for possible retaliation.
“Another bombing is coming up, and these bandits are ready for the consequences. They are also ready to counter-attack heavily; the government must get prepared for the outcome,” he added.
Call for Military Coordination
The cleric called for urgent coordination within the Nigerian military and security agencies, advising a review of current strategies to prevent setbacks in the fight against insecurity.
He also raised concerns about individuals allegedly involved in negotiations with armed groups, describing them as a major obstacle to peace.
According to Ayodele, such actors should be investigated and prosecuted if Nigeria is serious about ending terrorism.
On U.S. Involvement
While critical of the U.S. strike, Ayodele acknowledged that American involvement could help expose financiers of terrorism within Nigeria. However, he questioned the role of local negotiators engaging with bandits.
“America will expose the terrorist financiers, but what is going to happen to those negotiating with the bandits? These ones are the major problems,” he said.
He concluded by urging careful planning and decisive action to ensure that security efforts do not worsen the situation.
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