By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

An Upper Area Court Judge in Gombe State and Chairman of the State Association of Area Court Judges, Hon. Abubakar Usman Malala, has warned that Nigeria’s rising cases of violent crimes and killings will persist unless citizens embrace key moral values prescribed by religion and supported by law.

Hon. Malala made the call in an interview with our reporter while reacting to the recent murder of a woman and her six children in Kano State, an incident that has shocked the nation and renewed concerns over insecurity.

He said the growing wave of violence reflects a serious breakdown of societal values that once protected lives and communities, adding that respected Islamic scholars, including Abu Ishak in his book Al-Muwafaqat, identified essential principles for preserving peace, justice and human dignity.

According to him, the first principle is commitment to religion, explaining that genuine religious teachings forbid oppression, abuse and the unlawful taking of human life.

The second, he said, is respect for property, noting that when people safeguard what belongs to others, cases of theft, conflict and revenge attacks are greatly reduced.

Hon. Malala identified the third as protection of life, stressing that both religion and the law impose serious punishment on anyone who sheds innocent blood, serving as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders.

The fourth principle, he added, is protection of the mind, which involves discouraging drug abuse and intoxicants that cloud judgement, pointing out that many violent crimes are committed under the influence of substances.

The fifth is protection of lineage and human dignity, which includes rejecting adultery, rape and other acts that destroy family values and social harmony.

The judge also lamented the increasing incidents of killings across the country, saying criminals often feel emboldened when justice is slow or compromised.

He urged security agencies to ensure suspects are promptly charged to court, while the judiciary must handle cases fairly and without unnecessary delay.

“Swift and impartial justice discourages those planning to commit crimes,” he said.

Hon. Malala further advised parents to prioritise the moral and religious upbringing of their children, noting that many security challenges begin from poor home training rather than government failure alone.

He also cautioned public officials and community leaders against remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing out of fear of powerful individuals.

“Silence only strengthens criminals and worsens insecurity,” he warned.

Condemning the Kano killings, Hon. Malala described the act as inhuman and unacceptable, calling on Nigerians to work collectively toward restoring discipline, justice and respect for human life.