Protesters march to N’Assembly over worsening insecurity

A group of young Nigerians marched to the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, calling for decisive government action to combat the country's escalating insecurity. Under the banner "Nigerians Unite Against Terror," the protesters peacefully conveyed their demands for stronger measures against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.

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There are major highways where, after 5 p.m., people are afraid to travel. Those who are trapped, kidnapped, or killed are not just members of APC, PDP or any other party, they are Nigerians.

Convener Isah Abubakar addressed journalists, emphasizing that the threat of insecurity transcends political and religious divides. "The citizens who are trapped, kidnapped or killed on these roads are not just members of one political party or another; they are Nigerians," he stated. Abubakar stressed that while the government has a primary duty to protect its citizens, restoring lasting security requires collective involvement and accountability from those in charge.

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We have a right and a duty to demand accountability from those charged with our safety. We need real, proactive measures to protect our children, keep women safe in their homes and farms, and reclaim our rural communities from criminals.

Fellow protest leader Austin Okai urged retired military and security officials to contribute their expertise to address the nation's security challenges. He argued that securing the country should be the immediate priority, preceding political discourse. Okai warned that persistent insecurity could severely hamper democratic processes, making it difficult for political parties to hold rallies or mobilize voters safely.

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The citizens who are trapped, kidnapped or killed on these roads are not just members of one political party or another; they are Nigerians. The bandits do not care about your religion, tribe, political party or background. This is a collective tragedy affecting us all.

The protesters also called on the National Assembly to enhance its oversight functions, ensuring accountability in the management of security funds. They stressed that unity among citizens, regardless of political affiliation, is crucial in confronting the pervasive threat of insecurity, citing the recent abduction of a political party chairman as evidence that no group is immune.

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We are calling on our former military and security leaders to step forward and collaborate. We must secure the country first before we can talk about politics.