Terrorism: Foundation Urges Urgent Action On Security Challenges

The Africa Freedom Foundation (AFF) and Yari Roundtable For Peace, on Friday, called on the Federal Government to immediately find solutions to the nation’s worsening security crisis or seek external assistance to end the menace.

The Foundation made this call during a one-day summit in Abuja, on the theme: “Conversation on the Search for Peace in Nigeria”, with a former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, as the convener.

The summit brought together key stakeholders such as Christian and Muslim clerics, policy-makers and experts from different fields of endeavour, who brainstormed on how to rescue the country from her present precarious security situation.

The stakeholders, expressed serious concerns about the escalating security situation in the country, suggesting the urgent need for national dialogue and stronger governance to address the overwhelming security crisis.

In his opening remarks, Senator Shehu Sani, stressed the need for relevant government agencies to be held accountable for yearly allocation of security funds.

“The appropriate use of security funds must be questioned. The urgency of national dialogue has never been more critical, as peaceful co-existence in Nigeria is at risk,” the politician stated.

He posited that if the Nigerian government could not handle the deteriorating security challenge, it should not hesitate to seek international assistance.

He said: “Muslims are killed in Katsina, Christians are killed in Benue. Muslims are killed in Zamfara, Christians are killed in Plateau. Every day, people are being buried. What are we talking about? So we want a solution to this problem. And the government should reach out.

“Because you are in power doesn’t mean you have the monopoly on knowledge of how to solve problems. You must reach out.

You must discuss with people. You must find solutions. If you see people from your family taking their problem outside of your family, it’s because it cannot be solved within your family.”

In his contribution, Archbishop James Malgit of the Plateau Diocese, also delivered a strong message, condemning the rising wave of human rights abuses and the senseless killings of innocent citizens.

“The government must take immediate action to stop the growing violence and protect the lives of Nigerians. Human rights are being violated with impunity, and the government must act now to restore justice and peace,” Archbishop Malgit said.

Similarly, Chief Imam Mal. Abubakar Sadik Yusuf of Kaduna Polytechnic expressed worries over the increasing incidents of kidnappings and killings in the country.

“The government must take stronger measures to tackle this growing wave of insecurity. We can no longer afford to ignore the plight of the people. The safety of our citizens should be a top priority,” Yusuf said.

The summit provided an essential platform for leaders from both Muslim and Christian communities to come together and emphasise the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of security funds.

“The government must ensure transparency in the allocation of security resources,” a joint statement from the religious leaders said. “Only through clear accountability and effective action can Nigeria hope to achieve lasting peace and stability.”

The participants at the summit were united in their call for stronger governance and more decisive action from the Nigerian government. The discussions underscored the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s security crisis, with leaders emphasising that the time for action is now.

The summit concluded with a collective commitment to continue advocating peace, justice, and accountability in the country’s ongoing pursuit of stability.