CSO SOUND ALARM OVER RISING KIDNAPPINGS AND KILLINGS DURING TINUBU PRESIDENCY

Civil Society Organizations Sound Alarm Over Rising Kidnappings and Killings During Tinubu's Presidency

In a stark revelation, the Civil Society Joint Action Group, representing various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has raised deep concerns over the escalating crisis in Nigeria. Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the coalition disclosed that within the first eight months of President Bola Tinubu's administration, a staggering 2,423 lives were lost, and 1,872 individuals were abducted.

 

Civil Society Legislative Advocate 

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), urged President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in response to the alarming security situation. The CSOs called for a defined timeline for security agencies to address the rising insecurity, emphasizing the need for urgent and effective action.

The coalition expressed dismay over the persistence of mass atrocities, despite assurances from President Tinubu to tackle insecurity. Tracking data from the beginning of his administration until January 26, 2024, reveals a grim toll of 2,423 killed and 1,872 abducted. Particularly alarming is the surge in abductions, with 230 incidents, many involving multiple victims, occurring in the first two weeks of January 2024 alone.

Rafsanjani highlighted a decade-and-a-half-long spiral of insecurity in Nigeria, encompassing various violent phenomena across regions. The CSOs called on President Tinubu to urgently address the crisis, including declaring a state of emergency on kidnapping and terrorism. They also urged the government to fulfill its constitutional duty to ensure the security and welfare of all citizens.

Additionally, the coalition challenged state governors in North Central states, including Kaduna, to establish legal and unifying security structures similar to the Southwest's Amotekun, aimed at combating crimes and criminality within their regions.

The recent tragedy in Borno State, where seven farmers lost their lives to a Boko Haram-initiated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the Pulka-Firgi Road, serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for decisive action to address Nigeria's security challenges.