A palpable sense of frustration is gripping many Nigerians, fueled by what is widely perceived as a glaring disparity in how law enforcement agencies tackle crime and insecurity across the nation. Critics point to a system that appears swift and efficient when dealing with certain individuals or groups, yet remarkably impotent in the face of others, particularly those implicated in egregious acts of violence.

The case of Deborah Emmanuel, a Christian student lynched in Sokoto three years ago over alleged blasphemy, continues to haunt the national conscience. Despite video evidence purportedly showing her killers, no significant arrests or prosecutions have been made to date. This stark contrast is often highlighted against instances where high-profile figures, like social media personality VDM (VeryDarkMan), face rapid tracking and apprehension by agencies like the EFCC, or how the DSS and police managed to trace and repatriate IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya.

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The question on many lips remains: why the apparent lack of similar zeal in pursuing Deborah’s murderers?

Concerns also persist regarding the protracted struggle against terrorism, whether attributed to Boko Haram or armed herdsmen. Many Nigerians believe that the identities of these perpetrators are known to security forces, and that the capacity to end these insurgencies exists. However, a prevailing sentiment suggests that these groups enjoy a degree of untouchability, allegedly due to their regional origins and perceived backing from certain elements within the nation’s elite.

This perceived imbalance was starkly illustrated by the recent incident involving former presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue State. Reports indicate that security forces were quick to intercept his entry into the state. This swift action stands in sharp contrast to the continued inability to track and apprehend those responsible for mass killings by armed herdsmen in Benue, where hundreds have reportedly lost their lives without the perpetrators being brought to justice.

The ongoing narrative of selective justice and an uneven application of the law is eroding public trust and deepening divides. For many, the issues are clear, and the solutions, though difficult, are not unknown. Yet, the nation continues to grapple with what some describe as a “fake unity,” masking deep-seated structural issues that hinder genuine progress and accountability.

As the nation grapples with these inconsistencies, the call for equitable law enforcement and a genuine commitment to justice for all citizens grows louder, with many arguing that true national unity can only be built on a foundation of fairness and accountability.