Protesters Storm National Assembly Over Rising Insecurity

A group of Nigerian youths on Tuesday took to the streets in Abuja to demand stronger action against insecurity, urging the government to protect lives and restore safety across the country.

The demonstration, held under the theme “Nigerians Unite Against Terror,” began at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and ended at the National Assembly.

Speaking to journalists during the protest, Isah Abubakar, one of the organisers, said insecurity has become a problem affecting every Nigerian regardless of religion, tribe, or political affiliation.

“There are roads in Nigeria that once it is 5 pm, you can not pass through those roads,” he said.

“And those that are affected are not only members of the APC, ADC, PDP, NDC, PRP, but they are also Nigerians.

“The bandits are not selective. They don’t care about your religion, your tribe, your political party, or your tradition. It is something that affects us across religious and political lines.”

Abubakar said Nigerians must continue to hold leaders accountable for their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.

“It is our responsibility as citizens to call the attention of those responsible for protecting lives and properties, that enough is enough,” he said.

“It is time to give us security, it is time to protect lives and properties, it is time to protect children, it is time to protect women from being raped.

“We can’t continue in a situation where our bush is being left for people who don’t know the value of life to take over it. Our demands are simple: end insecurity. It is time for proactiveness. It is time for sincerity of purpose by those who govern us.”

Austim Okhai, co-convener of the group, appealed to former military commanders and retired security officials to support efforts aimed at addressing the country’s security challenges.

“We call on former military leaders, former service chiefs, former directors of the DSS, former IGPs, and former NSCDC CGs to all collaborate in ensuring we have a country first,” he said.

He argued that insecurity has become a serious threat to democratic activities, noting that political campaigns and public gatherings are increasingly difficult in areas affected by violence.

“No political party can go on a rally when the people you mobilise cannot return to their homes,” he said.

“For that, both APC, ADC, NDC, PDP, PRP, the atikulates, the obidients, the Kwankwasiyas, and every one of us must speak in unity against insecurity.”

To support his argument, he pointed to the recent kidnapping of the APC chairman in Kebbi State, saying the incident showed that no group or community is immune from criminal attacks.

“As I am talking to you now, the APC chairman in Kebbi is in the hands of bandits. The state is ruled by the APC. The bandits kidnap Muslims, Christians, and even traditional rulers.

“It is a crime that our former leaders are keeping quiet in the face of insecurity,” he said.

Okhai also emphasised the oversight role of the National Assembly, saying lawmakers have a duty to demand accountability from security agencies and government institutions.

“The national assembly has the right to demand accountability, it is part of democracy. What we need now is the collaboration of all citizens,” he said.

“If a soldier or a policeman comes to your house to apprehend a suspect and you hide the culprit, what magic will they perform?”

On the issue of state police and forest guards, Okhai said such initiatives would only be effective if personnel receive proper training and are adequately equipped.

“The only power the bandits have over us is because they are armed with AK-47s. Even if we have state police and we do not arm them properly, it is still a waste of time,” he said.

“Just like what happened in Kwara state, where the bandits disarmed the forest guards and went away with their bikes, because they were not properly armed.

“That’s why we are advocating that, in creating state police, forest guards, proper training should be there, and they should work together with other security agencies.

“Our voices must be heard. We are here because insecurity persists. We urge Nigerians that if they see something, they say something and do something.”

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Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has invited Nigeria’s service chiefs and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to appear before lawmakers over the worsening security situation across the country.