CSO urges collective action against insecurity, plans Abuja road walk

A Nigerian civil society organization, Concerned Nigerians for Peace, Security and National Unity, is organizing a peaceful road walk in Abuja on Monday. The event aims to rally public support for a united front against the nation's escalating insecurity.

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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.

Isah Abubakar, the group's convener, stated that the initiative seeks to highlight the necessity of collective participation in combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. He stressed that security is not solely the government's duty, but a responsibility shared by all citizens, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, and civil society organizations.

The planned walk will serve as a platform to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including citizens, traditional institutions, religious bodies, community leaders, and political figures. The group noted that insecurity has transformed from the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast to widespread banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder conflicts across the country.

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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 reality is that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping do not discriminate. Their victims cut across political parties, religious groups, ethnic backgrounds and social classes," Abubakar stated. The organization urged political leaders to prioritize national security over partisan interests and called upon former Heads of State, retired military officers, and public office holders to contribute their expertise to finding lasting solutions. Religious leaders are also encouraged to promote messages of peace and tolerance while speaking out against violent extremism.

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The reality is that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping do not discriminate. Their victims cut across political parties, religious groups, ethnic backgrounds and social classes.