Nigeria’s Insecurity: Government, Communities Must Rise To The Occasion – GONET

William Attah

Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET) has expressed deep concern over renewed security threats confronting many communities across the country in recent times.

Nigeria, particularly in the North, has recently been confronted by widespread banditry, kidnapping, including the tragic abductions of school students that have led to the closure of schools and heightened tension across several States.

In a stern statement issued by GONET which was signed by it’s Chairman, Amb Ibrahim Yusuf and Secretary, Mr Benjamin Maina, the civil society coalition warned Nigerians to stop the blame game and unite against insecurity or else, only a destroyed nation will be bequeathed to the upcoming generation of Nigerians.

It said, “In times like these, national division is a luxury we cannot afford. GONET urges Nigerians to avoid politicizing security matters or engaging in ethnic and religious blame games.

“Terrorism knows no tribe, no religion, and no political party. We encourage all citizens to collectively condemn any form of violence, terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry.

“This is the time to unite as one people with one voice for the safety of our nation”, the network of civil society organisations in Gombe State warned.

GONET therefore called on States, Communities, and Local Governments to rise to the occasion by intensifying efforts towards safeguarding schools and vulnerable areas.

“While Federal action is crucial, we call on State Governments, Local Government Authorities, Traditional Rulers, School Management Boards, and Community Leaders to intensify efforts in safeguarding schools and vulnerable areas.

“Communities must take ownership of local security through intelligence sharing, vigilance committees, early warning systems, and effective collaboration with security stakeholders.

“When communities provide timely information, security agencies respond more effectively. Security is everyone’s business”, GONET maintained.

While expressing sympathy and solidarity to the parents, families, and communities whose children and loved ones were abducted or affected, GONET urged security agencies to sustain their proactive approach until every abducted student is safely returned and perpetrators are brought to justice.

“We commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the national security architecture for their swift and coordinated response to these attacks.

“The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organizations reaffirms its commitment to working with Government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions, media organizations, and community groups to strengthen peace, security, and community resilience in Gombe State and Nigeria at large”, GONET assured.

End.