Act On Insecurity, Economic Crisis In North Now

Catholic Bishops from Northern Nigeria have raised the alarm over worsening insecurity across the region, saying if nothing is urgently done to address the situation, the North would be plunged into deeper socio-economic crisis.

The bishops noted with dismay how the situation forced many residents to flee their homes, abandoning their agriculture activities and other means of livelihood for safety.

This was contained in a communique issued to newsmen in Jalingo at the end of its interprovincial meeting held in Kaduna State and signed by the chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama.

The meeting provided the Bishops an opportunity to review the socio-economic and moral challenges confronting the nation.

The communique attributed the persistent violence, kidnappings and displacement of people, as some of the factors responsible for the increasing rate of poverty and hunger in the north.

It expressed deep concern that widespread insecurity, particularly banditry, killings, abductions and the occupation of farming communities, has forced many residents to abandon their means of livelihood, especially agriculture, thereby aggravating poverty and hunger.

“Northern Nigeria is richly endowed with fertile land and solid mineral resources, but continued insecurity has undermined productivity, discouraged investment and stalled development across the region,” the clerics said.

The bishops also warned that the recent decline in food prices, without corresponding reductions in the cost of farm inputs, could further discourage farmers from cultivating their land in this year’s farming season.

They specifically noted that, “The high prices of fertilisers, agro-chemicals, fuel and seedlings are eroding farmers’ profits and may lead to reduced food production and future shortages.”

While acknowledging government efforts to address hunger, the bishops urged the authorities to adopt policies that balance consumer relief with the economic survival of farmers, stressing that those who feed the nation must not be left impoverished.

The communique further called for a comprehensive review of agricultural policies, especially in the areas of limited access to modern farming equipment, affordable credit facilities and effective extension services which they identified as major obstacles facing small-scale farmers in rural communities.

They called on government and security agencies at all levels to intensify efforts to protect lives and property of citizens.

They expressed optimism that with sincere leadership and shared responsibility, the country cwould overcome its challenges and achieve sustainable development, even as they appealed to Nigerians to work towards peace, justice and national renewal.