The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations on Monday expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of insecurity across Nigeria, particularly the recent abductions of students that have forced the shutdown of several schools across the country.
According to a joint press statement signed by the Chairman of GONET, Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf, and the Secretary, Benjamin Maina, the group was “deeply pained by the trauma being inflicted on children and families as a result of renewed attacks by criminal elements.”
“We extend our deepest sympathy to all parents and communities whose children have been abducted.
“No child deserves to be denied education or safety because of the actions of criminals. The people of Gombe stand in unity with every affected state,” the statement partly added.
GONET also commended the Federal Government for what it described as a swift and coordinated response to the crisis adding that the prompt deployment of security personnel showed the seriousness with which the Presidency views the threats.
“We appreciate the President and the national security architecture for their timely intervention. We urge security agencies to sustain this momentum until every abducted student is safely reunited with their families.”
The organisation stressed that while federal intervention is necessary, sustainable security must begin at the grassroots, stressing that state governments, local councils, traditional rulers, school authorities, and community leaders must strengthen collaboration with security agencies.
“Communities must take ownership of their security through intelligence sharing, vigilance groups, and early warning systems. Security is everyone’s business, and timely information can save lives.”
GONET cautioned citizens against politicising insecurity or turning it into an ethnic or religious narrative.
“Terrorism has no tribe, religion, or political party. This is not the time to point fingers. Nigerians must stop the blame game and unite to confront our common enemies,” the group added.
With tensions running high across various regions, GONET urged Nigerians to prioritize unity, dialogue, and collective responsibility. Maina noted that the nation could only overcome its current challenges through cooperation.
The statement said, “Our strength lies in our unity. We must choose collaboration over isolation and hope over despair. Our communities deserve peace and stability, and our children deserve safe schools.”
GONET urged government at all levels to urgently strengthen school security architecture by improving perimeter fencing, deploying trained guards, installing CCTV in strategic locations, and ensuring adequate lighting around school premises. The group also called for the revival of the Safe School Initiative as a national framework for protecting learning environments.
In addition, the organisation recommended deeper investment in community policing and intelligence-driven operations to identify threats before they escalate. It stressed the need for increased psychosocial support for traumatized students, teachers, and families affected by attacks. GONET further advised government to scale up youth employment and skills development programmes to reduce the vulnerability of young people to recruitment by criminal groups. It also appealed for stronger coordination between federal and state authorities to close operational gaps exploited by violent actors.
The civil society network reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, security agencies, traditional councils, media partners, and community groups to strengthen peace and security in Gombe State and across Nigeria.
“We will intensify advocacy, community engagement, and civic education.
“Nigeria may be going through a difficult phase, but history shows that challenges often inspire national rebirth,” GONET added.
