Gombe group cautions Nigerians against politicising security
Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET), has urged Nigerians to shun politicising security matters or engaging in ethnic and religious blame games.
Its Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf, said this in a statement on Monday in Gombe.
He enjoined Nigerians to abhor all forms of violence and work towards fostering peace, unity and stability in the country.
“Terrorism knows no tribe, religion and political party. We encourage all citizens to collectively condemn any form of violence; terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and banditry.
“This is the time to unite as one people with one voice for the safety of our nation.
“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. Our strength lies not in our differences but in our unity,” he said.
Yusuf challenged stakeholders to work together to rebuild trust, promote peace dialogue, strengthen community cohesion, and support efforts directed toward national stability.
He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for his swift and coordinated response to the recent attacks on school children in Kebbi and Niger.
The chairman said the action showed the concern of the Federal Government towards the security of the citizens.
“We commend the President Bola Tinubu and the national security architecture for their swift and coordinated response to these attacks.
“The rapid deployment of security forces and the commitment expressed by the presidency demonstrate the seriousness with which the government views these threats to national stability.
“We urge the security agencies to sustain their proactive approach until every abducted student is safely returned and perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
Yusuf advocated for the strengthening of school security architecture, including perimeter fencing, trained security guards, CCTV in strategic institutions, and improved lighting.
He further called for the revival of the Safe School Initiative, to protect learning spaces across the country.
“We further urge that community policing and intelligence-led operations should be enhanced to identify threats before they escalate.”
