Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shed new light on the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, revealing that the tragedy exposed a dangerous complacency in government security at the time.
Obasanjo, who took over leadership following the failed coup of February 13, 1976, reflected that Murtala’s death might have been prevented if greater attention had been paid to security measures.
In an interview with News Central TV, Obasanjo attributed the relaxed security around Murtala to what he called “naivety,” explaining that the late leader’s confidence in his mission for Nigeria left him feeling invulnerable.
Obasanjo recounted that Murtala was known for his boldness and often drove himself around Lagos with minimal security, even as Head of State. Despite Obasanjo’s warnings about the risks, Murtala dismissed concerns for his safety.
“He would not have been killed the way he was if not for our naivety,” Obasanjo remarked, adding that the leadership at the time mistakenly believed their good intentions shielded them from harm. “Our belief was that he was doing what was right. So what did we need to fear?”
Obasanjo noted that the government never anticipated the extent of the conspiracy that led to the assassination. The lack of vigilance, he said, created an opportunity for coup plotters to strike.
General Murtala Muhammed was assassinated in Lagos during a failed coup attempt by soldiers opposed to his regime, abruptly ending his administration’s promise of reforms and a return to civilian rule.
Obasanjo described the event as a harsh lesson that forced the military leadership to reconsider how national leaders should be protected. He emphasized that while courage is vital in leadership, it should never be mistaken for carelessness—especially in a nation where political rivalries can become deadly.
These reflections from the former president revive memories of one of Nigeria’s most dramatic political assassinations and highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing public confidence with the need for personal security.
