Insecurity: Speakers urge FG, state Governors on protection of citizens

By Musa Baba Adamu with agency report

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) has called for urgent and coordinated action by federal and state governments to end the renewed terrorist attacks across the country.

The CSSLN made the call in a statement by its chairman, Adebo Ogundoyin.

The CSSLN strongly condemned the recent wave of brutal terrorist attacks and killings across several states in the country.

The conference specifically mentioned the killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger and most recently, Kwara.

“These gruesome acts have led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians. We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met.

“The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order,” they said.

The conference acknowledged that defence and national security fall within the federal government’s exclusive jurisdiction.

“We must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions.

“True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” the statement said.

The speakers also called on the state governments to complement the federal government’s efforts by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.

“States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.

“Furthermore, we urge the federal government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies. Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis.

“It is imperative that relief initiatives targeted, transparent, and impactful are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time,” it said.

The Speakers affirmed their commitment to support all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country.

“The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.

“Let it be known that the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” he said.