Youths Protest at National Assembly Over Worsening National Insecurity
Young Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Tuesday for the “Nigerians Unite Against Terror” protest, marching from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the National Assembly. Convener Isah Abubakar highlighted that the crisis is indiscriminate, stating, “There are roads in Nigeria that, once it is 5 pm, you cannot pass through.” He emphasized that bandits do not target based on identity, adding, “And those that are affected are not only members of the APC, ADC, PDP, NDC, and PRP, but they are also Nigerians.”
Abubakar demanded immediate governmental accountability, noting, “It is our responsibility as citizens to call the attention of those responsible for protecting lives and properties that enough is enough.” He urged officials to prioritize safety, asserting, “It is time to give us security; it is time to protect lives and properties; it is time to protect children; it is time to protect women from being raped.” He further challenged leaders to act, saying, “Our demands are simple: end insecurity. It is time for proactiveness. It is time for sincerity of purpose by those who govern us.”
Speaker Austin Okhai echoed these concerns, calling for a unified front from retired security leadership. He stated, “We call on former military leaders, former service chiefs, former directors of the DSS, former IGPs, and former NSCDC CGs to all collaborate in ensuring we have a country first.” Okhai pointed to the ongoing threat against political stability, warning, “No political party can go on a rally when the people you mobilise cannot return to their homes.”
Okhai criticized the silence of former officials regarding kidnappings, stating, “As I am talking to you now, the APC chairman in Kebbi is in the hands of bandits. The state is ruled by the APC. The bandits kidnap Muslims, Christians, and even traditional rulers. It is a crime that our former leaders are keeping quiet in the face of insecurity.” He also highlighted the necessity of community cooperation, asking, “If a soldier or a policeman comes to your house to apprehend a suspect and you hide the culprit, what magic will they perform?”
Regarding systemic solutions, Okhai argued that state policing must be backed by adequate resources, noting, “The only power the bandits have over us is because they are armed with AK-47s. Even if we have state police and we do not arm them properly, it is still a waste of time.” He concluded by urging citizens to remain vigilant, stating, “Our voices must be heard. We are here because insecurity persists. We urge Nigerians that if they see something, they say something and do something.”
