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 to mobilise public support for collective action against insecurity across the country.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the group’s convener, Isah Abubakar, the initiative seeks to encourage Nigerians to play active roles in addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The organisation stressed that security should not be seen solely as the responsibility of government institutions and security agencies.
“Security is everybody’s business,” the statement said, noting that citizens, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and civil society groups all have important roles to play in maintaining peace and stability.
The planned road walk is expected to serve as a platform for greater collaboration among citizens, traditional institutions, religious bodies and political stakeholders in tackling the country’s security challenges.
The group observed that insecurity in Nigeria has evolved beyond the insurgency in the North-East, expanding to include banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts and other criminal activities across several regions.
It noted that the effects of insecurity cut across political affiliations, ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs and social classes, making it a national concern requiring a united response.
Concerned Nigerians for Peace, Security and National Unity also urged political leaders to put aside partisan interests and work together to improve security nationwide.
The organisation called on former Heads of State, retired military officers, serving public officials and other stakeholders to contribute their expertise and ideas towards finding lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges.
Religious leaders were encouraged to intensify messages promoting peace, tolerance and respect for human life while condemning terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and violent extremism.
The group further appealed to communities to remain vigilant and support lawful efforts aimed at identifying and isolating criminal elements.
Warning against the politicisation of security issues, the organisation emphasised that national safety should take precedence over political differences.
The statement concluded that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to defeat insecurity without the active cooperation and support of citizens.
