Insecurity: Plateau communities stage peaceful walk over attacks
By Ifeoma Ikem
A coalition of civil society groups in Nigeria under the umbrella of Project Victory Call Initiative (PVC Naija) has called on the Federal Government to find lasting solution to the incessant security challenge across the nation, especially in Plateau State.
The coalition made the appeal during a peaceful walk tagged, ‘One Love, Nigeria’ to the Lagos State Government’s Office at Alausa, Ikeja.
The group marched from the Fire Service Alausa, Secretariat to the Governor’s Office Ikeja, hoisting placards with various inscriptions such as ‘No peace, No nation’, ‘Enough of killings, We stand with Barkin-Ladi’, ‘Plateau lives matter’ and ‘Justice 4 all, Peace in our nation’.
Dr Bolaji Akinyemi in a chat with newsmen noted that the walk was necessitated by the constant attacks and violence meted on innocent Nigerians across the entire country.
While calling on the government to rise up to its duties and confront the challenge head-on, Dr Akinyemi stated that citizens needed to feel safe and protected in their own country.
According to him, until government takes decisive steps to crush the menace forthwith, insecurity will continue to be a major issue and take its toll on the country and its people.
He said, “You might be wondering why we chose Valentine’s day for our walk, but there’s no better day to show love and seek peace; insecurity has been a major issue and this nation needs to be safe.
“Furthermore, the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria has brought about the premature deaths of numerous heroes of our nation on daily basis, and we ask: what are the security agencies doing in the face of the lack of desired results.”
Akinyemi lamented that insecurity had impacted livelihoods, destroyed lives and properties, with farmers keeping clear from their farms, thereby contributing to the hardship in the land.
Pointing to the recent incidents that happened on the plateau, he also sought collective action towards tackling the challenge.
Prof. Steven Mallo, president of Bokkos Cultural and Development Centre, advised the Nigerian government to urgently address the security issues in Bokkos Local Government Area.
He proposed establishing a military barracks to safeguard vulnerable areas and urged government to hasten provisions for indigenous people who are being displaced daily due to the attacks before rainy season conmences.
Mr Jonathan Sunday Akuns, Galadinma of Daffo District, reiterated the importance of pursuing grievances lawfully and discouraging violence for societal progress.
“I urge all our leader to approach grievances in a lawful way and with that being done, we will make progress,” he said.
Regina Chris-Ogbodo, a concerned citizen, said without peace no foreign investment will come into the country, adding: “Government should begin to strengthen the army and other security apparatus, so they know that the country is relying on them.”
Also, Dr. Amaka Ofobuike, founder of Intelligent Believers Network International, while lending her voice to calls for change, appealed to leaders particularly those of the religious sector, to put their positions to work and stem the ugly tide of insecurity nationwide.
As the event coincided with Valentine’s Day, participants aimed to symbolize their love for Nigeria and advocated for peace and growth. The speakers collectively called for a strengthened security apparatus, swift government intervention, and a unified approach to address the pressing issue of insecurity in Nigeria.
Another member,Rev(Dr)Odofin Julius, said that until Justice is distributed and administer to all Nigerians from every part of the country there will be no problems.
According to him,the link is broken for a long time, that trust of Nigerians to our leaders has broken that is what we are experiencing throughout the country,the issue of less project to security added to all the challenges.
“Peace for all as a missing link,we asking for justice 4 all wherever is mandated so that everybody will be at peace,he added.
Rev Shem-Enoch Mozia, the Lagos State coordinator, Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), pointed out that the insecurity challenge in Plateau is alarming and needs urgent attention.
“We plead with the Federal Government and service chiefs to intervene, as many people are being attacked on daily basis.
“The authorities need to intervene; let them end all these killings, attacks and kidnappings once and for all, because no where is safe again,” he stated.
