(Young Nigerians protesting. Photo by Daily Post)
Young Nigerians on Tuesday staged a protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, calling for urgent action to address the country’s worsening security situation.
The march, which began at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, was tagged “Nigerians Unite Against Terror.” Convener Isah Abubakar said insecurity has grown into a nationwide crisis that cuts across religious, ethnic, and political lines.
“There are roads in Nigeria that, once it is 5 pm, you cannot pass through,” he said, stressing that those affected span all political affiliations.
“The b@ndits are not selective. They don’t care about your religion, your tribe, your political party, or your tradition,” he added.
Abubakar called on those responsible for protecting lives and property to act decisively. “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 r@ped.
We can’t continue in a situation where our bush is being left for people who don’t know the value of life to take over it,” he said.
Another speaker, Austin Okhai, urged former security chief including ex-military leaders, former service chiefs, former DSS directors, former Inspectors-General of Police, and former NSCDC Commandants-General to collaborate in tackling the crisis.
Okhai warned that insecurity is crippling both political activities and everyday life, claiming that the APC chairman in Kebbi State was at the time of the protest in the hands of b@ndits.
“No political party can go on a rally when the people you mobilise cannot return to their homes,” he said.
He urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies, arguing that concealing suspects from security personnel undermines the entire effort.
He also contended that establishing state police without adequate equipment would be counterproductive, referencing incidents involving forest guards in Kwara State.
“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,” Okhai concluded.
