……blames lack of political will, indiscriminate use of military
The Convener and Team Lead, Advocacy Centre for Development Ibrahim Yusuf, has lamented the killing of 2545 security officers, 17, 886 civilians and abductions of 15597 persons from 2019 to 2023.
Disclosing this on Friday at a one-day roundtable engagement with stakeholders on National Day of Mourning in Gombe State.
According to him, lack of political will amounts to major factor to the continued wanton killings, adding that there have been reckless use of the military in civil matters which has overstretched their operations.
He disclosed that the objectives of the engagement was held with a view to finding lasting solutions to the alarming rates of incessant killings, kidnappings for ransom, violence and other forms of atrocities in the country.
Yusuf said, “The incessant killing of 2545 security officers and 17, 886 civilians as well as abduction of 15597 persons from 2019 to 2023 across the country was the clear absence of political will.”
While lamenting the surge in atrocities against women, children, Persons with Disabilities, students, teachers and the most vulnerable, schools and institutions of learning, he noted that they have been targeted for elimination, “the government appears unable and unwilling to take urgent action in protecting these demographics. Ths leadership should bring these to an end is worrisome,” Yusuf added.
He added, “The armed forces are deployed in all 36 states of Nigeria on internal security operations, thereby retrenching the constitutional role of the Nigeria Police Force. This is a constitutional anomaly. The rise in fatalities from military operations show that the military is over-stretched, this cannot continue.
“Here in Gombe state we are have issues of farmer/herder clashes in some communities of the state during the rainy season and we are calling on the state government and the security agencies and the traditional institutions to do the needful without fear or favour by putting an end to the issues of unrest in the state.”
While lauding the efforts of the Gombe State Governor proactive approach in establishing the Ministry of Internal security and Home Affairs and the prompt establishment and inauguration of Operation Hattara and Gombe Security Traffic and Environmental Corps, adding “Which goes a long way in restoring peace and stability in the state. As Nigerians bleed we have come together on this seventh National Day of Mourning to ask the people in authority to take urgent steps in preventing the menace.”
Meanwhile, in a 10-point communique signed by trio, Saidu Malala, chairman;Abubakar Jibrin, member; and Garba Ubale, member; Stakeholders agreed that communities should participate in providing useful, timely and accurate information to the security operatives.
“Reactivation of the roles of traditional institutions in the society.
“Reintroduction of Educational Marshals in schools to guard against drug abuse youth restiveness and other social vices.
“Engage youth with skills development to be self reliant in society.
“Dignity of life is of paramount importance and security personnel must handle all cases of arrest of the suspect and avoid any formal of molestation, intimidation and harassment of the suspect(s).
“Religious leaders should at all times preach the gospel of peace, tolerance and mutual understanding in their places of worship.
“Operators of social media handles and platforms should also refrain from posting unverified information that may trigger friction between communities.
“Conventional media have been described as key players in sensitising the public on the importance of peaceful coexistence.
“Proactive measures to be taken by both security operatives and citizens in bringing lasting peace in the country.
“The roundtable also emphasised on peaceful co-existence between communities irrespective of the diverse ethnic, cultural, political and religious settings in the country,” the communique partly added.
