CSO to Stage Abuja Road Walk, Calls for United Front Against Insecurity

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Concerned Nigerians for Peace, Security and National Unity, has announced plans to organise a peaceful road walk in Abuja on Monday to rally citizens in support of collective action against insecurity and strengthen national unity.

The group’s Convener, Isah Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, saying the initiative is designed to mobilise Nigerians to actively participate in efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes threatening the nation’s peace and stability.

Abubakar emphasised that security should not be left solely to government institutions and security agencies, stressing that every citizen has a role to play in safeguarding the country.

“Security is everybody’s business. While government agencies and security forces have a constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order, citizens, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations also have critical roles to play,” the statement said.

According to the organisation, the road walk will provide a platform for collaboration among citizens, traditional institutions, religious bodies, political stakeholders, and community leaders in addressing Nigeria’s growing security concerns.

The group noted that insecurity in Nigeria has evolved significantly over the years, expanding from insurgency in the North-East to include banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, and other criminal activities across various regions.

It observed that the impact of insecurity cuts across political affiliations, ethnic identities, religious beliefs, and social classes.

“The reality is that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping do not discriminate. Their victims cut across political parties, religious groups, ethnic backgrounds and social classes,” the statement added.

Concerned Nigerians for Peace, Security and National Unity urged political leaders to put aside partisan interests and work together to strengthen national security. It also called on former Heads of State, retired military officers, public office holders, and other stakeholders to contribute their expertise toward finding lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges.

The organisation further appealed to religious leaders to intensify messages promoting peace, tolerance, and respect for human life while condemning terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent extremism.

It also encouraged communities to remain vigilant and support lawful efforts aimed at identifying and isolating criminal elements.

“The time has come for all Nigerians to speak with one voice against insecurity. This is not a fight for any government, political party or individual. It is a fight for our collective future, national stability and the protection of innocent citizens,” the group stated.

The CSO also urged citizens to participate in peaceful advocacy campaigns, awareness programmes, and lawful demonstrations aimed at sustaining national conversations on public safety and security.

Warning against the politicisation of security issues, the organisation stressed that national safety must take precedence over political differences.

It maintained that lasting success in the fight against insecurity can only be achieved through sustained cooperation between citizens and government.

“No government alone can successfully defeat insecurity without the active cooperation and support of the people,” the statement concluded.