Post by NewsRealm (@newsrealm2025)
Before 2027 Election Security Wasn’t That Bad Until INEC Released Its Election Timetable- Mbamalu
The traditional ruler of Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu, has expressed concern over the country's worsening security situation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview published by The Sun Nigeria on Saturday, July 19, 2026, the monarch said it has become increasingly difficult to separate genuine criminal activities from unrest driven by political interests.
He noted that insecurity appeared to escalate after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable for the 2027 elections.
According to him, Nigeria will continue to struggle with lasting peace unless authorities can clearly distinguish between criminal violence and instability fuelled by political motives.
Mbamalu said, "Before 2027 general election security wasn’t that bad until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released its election timetable; insecurity got worse. Until we are able to separate the real insecurity from the one orchestrated by the 2027 election there will be no headway towards ending insecurity."
His concerns come at a time when schools have increasingly become targets of kidnappers across different parts of the country.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting pupils and teachers.
The victims were held for 56 days in the Old Oyo National Park forest while security agencies launched an extensive search operation.
The rescue effort involved the Nigerian Army, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes. Under the coordination of the Army's 2 Division, sustained pressure on the kidnappers eventually led to the unconditional release of the victims on July 10, 2026.
The federal government said no ransom was paid, while several suspects were arrested during the operation.
A similar incident occurred in Kogi State on July 14, 2026, when armed men invaded Government Secondary School, Olowa, during a NECO examination.
The attackers abducted the school principal, a NECO official, and three examination candidates.
The Kogi State Government responded by ordering a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army's 12 Brigade and 21 Battalion, the DSS, and local hunters.
After days of intensive operations across nearby forests, security forces forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims, who were safely rescued on July 16, 2026.
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