The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria.
CHRICED, in a statement, described as unfortunate the fact that many families and communities in the country have continued to grapple with Nigeria’s existential crisis.
It said not only are the Nigerian people burdened by the country’s severe economic situation, but many also have to live with the reality of total security collapse.
The civil society organisation (CSO), through its Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, noted that despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to security agencies to immediately restore peace to the troubled areas, the situation has persisted.
CHRICED also said it is unacceptable and worrisome that, with less than four weeks to the 2023 general election, various sorts of criminality have engulfed different regions of Nigeria.
‘The audacious and criminal assault on human lives has now reached industrial proportions, while the government, which has the constitutional obligation to protect lives and property, continues to demonstrate its lack of capacity to act’, the statement read.
‘CHRICED also observes with much pain that the criminals continue to carry on with their nefarious activities uninterrupted for hours before escaping and leaving a trail of sorrows, tears and blood’.
Citing the recent burning to death of a Catholic priest in Niger State, Reverend Father Achi, the abduction of five worshippers at a church in Katsina State by bandits, the kidnapping of train passengers in Edo State, the organisation questioned the Nigerian government’s willingness and determination to use its might and resources to restore calm to troubled parts.
While applauding members of security operatives for putting their lives on the line for their fellow citizens, CHRICED condemned political leaders for failing to provide the necessary support to aid the work of security personnel.
‘It is a huge disappointment and a letdown that no single day in Nigeria goes by without scores of people being killed by the wanton killers who have besieged the land’, the statement added.
The CSO called on Nigerians to unite in reminding the government that it is their primary responsibility to protect citizens.
Photo source: Human Rights Watch
