Senator Athan Achonu, a former lawmaker and public affairs commentator, has made bold claims about the root causes of insecurity across Nigeria. According to him, there is no genuine insecurity in the country in the conventional sense. Instead, he asserts that certain state governors, working in collusion with powerful mining cartels, deliberately perpetuate violence and instability to serve their personal and economic interests.
In a recent television appearance, Senator Achonu explained that these actors exploit mineral-rich areas, particularly forests and rural communities, to carry out illegal mining operations. He recounted instances where foreign nationals, such as Chinese operators, have been observed in these zones, raising questions about unregulated resource extraction. The senator highlighted how insecurity is strategically deployed in regions where governors seek to avoid credible elections. By creating an atmosphere of fear and unrest, they can manipulate outcomes and retain power without genuine democratic contest.
Achonu pointed to specific cases, including the kidnapping of a senior army general in Katsina State, to illustrate how even high-profile figures are not spared. He argued that the pattern of violence is too coordinated to be random criminality and is instead linked to control over valuable resources like gold and other minerals.
This alleged alliance between political leaders and mining interests allows cartels to operate with impunity while displacing communities and undermining national stability. The former senator emphasized that such actions amount to a betrayal of public trust, as they prioritize private profit over the safety and prosperity of citizens.
His statements have sparked widespread discussion online, with many Nigerians expressing agreement that insecurity often serves hidden economic and political agendas. Senator Achonu called for greater transparency in the management of natural resources and stronger oversight to dismantle these networks. He urged relevant authorities to investigate the intersections of governance, mining activities, and security challenges across affected states.
Video Reference: https://x.com/nigeriastories/status/2067885048217362867?s=46
