A Civil Society Organisation, Concerned Nigerians for Peace, Security and National Unity, has announced plans to hold a peaceful road walk in Abuja on Monday as part of efforts to mobilise public support for collective action against insecurity and promote national unity.
The group’s Convener, Isah Abubakar, said the initiative was aimed at drawing attention to the need for all Nigerians to contribute to efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Abubakar stressed that security should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of government and security agencies.
“Security is everybody’s business. While government agencies and security forces have a constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order, citizens, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations also have critical roles to play,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the planned road walk will serve as a platform to encourage collaboration among citizens, traditional institutions, religious bodies, community leaders and political stakeholders in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
It noted that insecurity has evolved over the years, expanding beyond insurgency in the North-East to include banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts and other criminal activities in different parts of the country.
“What began as the Boko Haram insurgency in parts of the North-East during previous administrations gradually expanded to include banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts and other violent crimes across several regions of the federation,” the statement read.
It maintained that insecurity affects Nigerians regardless of their political, religious or ethnic backgrounds.
“The reality is that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping do not discriminate. Their victims cut across political parties, religious groups, ethnic backgrounds and social classes,” the statement read.
The group urged political leaders across party lines to set aside partisan interests and work together in pursuit of a common goal of improving national security.
It also called on former Heads of State, retired military officers, serving public office holders and other stakeholders to contribute ideas and experience toward finding lasting solutions to the country’s security concerns.
It appealed to religious leaders to intensify messages of peace, tolerance and respect for human life while speaking against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and violent extremism.
The group further urged communities to remain vigilant and support lawful efforts aimed at identifying and isolating criminal elements.
“The time has come for all Nigerians to speak with one voice against insecurity. This is not a fight for any government, political party or individual. It is a fight for our collective future, national stability and the protection of innocent citizens,” it said.
The group also encouraged citizens to participate in peaceful advocacy campaigns, awareness programmes and lawful demonstrations designed to sustain national conversations on public safety and security.
Warning against politicising security challenges, the group said national safety should take precedence over political differences.
“At a time when criminal elements are threatening the peace and stability of the country, Nigerians must come together to support efforts aimed at restoring security and protecting innocent lives,” it said.
The group added that lasting success in the fight against insecurity would require the cooperation of citizens alongside government efforts.
“No government alone can successfully defeat insecurity without the active cooperation and support of the people,” it added.
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