The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has faulted Nigerians for lamenting insecurity under President Bola Tinubu, saying the problem did not start under the current administration.

Mr Umahi made the remarks on Thursday during a town hall meeting in Gombe State.

He said insecurity has become politicised and often escalated during election periods.

“When people call themselves extreme politicians, you know, insult the President and talk about insecurity as if insecurity just started with the administration,” he said.

Mr Umahi said security is everyone’s responsibility and should not be politicised.

He stated, “Why is it that any time you try to have an election, there is heightened insecurity?

“We will win our election by God’s special grace. The boat is already on sails on the high sea. We are experiencing some things, but the president has been able to stabilise the boats in so many directions.”

He also prayed for the rescue of teachers, pupils and others currently in bandits’ den.

“We continue to pray for all our students who are in captivity. God sees them whenever they hide. By God, we will return our teachers and students, and our brothers and sisters that are being captivated,” he added.

The minister’s statement followed the outrage and protests over the abduction of pupils and teachers by bandits on May 15 in three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.