**Nigeria's Insecurity: A Nation on the Brink** As we navigate the complex web of our nation's challenges, one issue stands out above the rest: the crippling insecurity that plagues our country. With terrorists seemingly closing in on Abuja, the very seat of power, it's clear that we're at a critical juncture. But is the government doing enough to address this crisis? For Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a presidential candidate from the North Central zone, the situation is deeply personal. Growing up in a region where communities are frequently targeted, he's witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of terrorism. "When they killed people in areas like Kebbi, it hit close to home for me," he recalls. "I have family and friends in those communities, and I've seen the reports, the pictures, the stories." The numbers are staggering: 200 people killed in Woro, 300 in Taraba, and daily reports of 15-17 fatalities. Yet, these incidents often go unreported, and the government's response is perceived as inadequate. "It's not just about the numbers," Olawepo-Hashim stresses. "If one-tenth of this happened in Europe, there would be an international outcry. We need to take our security challenges seriously and address them immediately." The issue has taken on an international dimension, with the Americans involved in the fight against terrorism. But does this mean we're sacrificing our sovereignty? Olawepo-Hashim believes that in today's world, fighting terrorism is a global effort. "After 9/11, the world recognized that international terror is no longer a domestic issue. We need international cooperation and funding to combat this threat." As the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recently held its Area Council polls, Olawepo-Hashim noted that this could have implications for the 2027 general election. "We can't afford to wait until then to address our security challenges," he emphasizes. "We need to put this issue at the forefront of national and international discourse and work together to find a solution." The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. Will the government rise to the challenge, or will Nigeria's insecurity continue to spiral out of control? Only time will tell.