Nigeria's Nightmare: 243 Days Of Bloodshed And Abductions - Security Experts Sound The Alarm!

Nigeria’s Nightmare: 243 Days Of Bloodshed And Abductions – Security Experts Sound The Alarm!

In a chilling revelation, Amnesty International Nigeria, Kukah Center, Yiaga Africa, and 45 other organizations have raised the alarm, suggesting that insecurity in Nigeria is spiraling out of control….READ MORE

Backed by compelling statistics since May 29, 2023, the report points to a disturbing trend, with June 2023 marked as the deadliest month, witnessing 507 lives lost.

Disturbing Figures: 243 Days of Horror

Civil Society Organizations, under the banner of the Civil Society Joint Action Group, Community of Practice Against Mass Atrocities, and Nigeria Mourns, unveiled a comprehensive report last week, titled ‘End Mass Atrocities, Secure Nigeria and Ensure Accountability.’ The groups collectively expressed deep concern over the rising wave of banditry, kidnappings, and overall criminality, bringing the nation to a standstill.

The report details the toll of 2,423 lives lost and 1,872 abductions in the eight months of President Tinubu’s administration. June 2023 stands out as the darkest month, recording 507 deaths, closely followed by December 2023 with 446 casualties.

Under Siege: Communities, Roads, and Homes at Risk

The report paints a grim picture of Nigeria under siege, with communities, including the Federal Capital Territory, held hostage by terrorists and criminal groups. The relentless attacks have forced residents to flee, while road ambushes have made interstate travel perilous. Even homes are no longer safe, with urban centers witnessing a surge in abductions.

The Silent Threat: Ransom Crowdfunding and Government Inaction

The failure of law enforcement to combat the rising tide of crime has led families to resort to publicly crowdfunding to pay ransoms without government interference. The report criticizes the government’s reluctance to address this growing trend, contrasting it with the swift actions taken against #EndSARS funding. Political leaders’ public support for ransom payments is questioned, as it potentially fuels future attacks.

National Standstill: Nigeria Grinds to a Halt

In a poignant revelation, the report highlights that the entire nation is gradually grinding to a halt due to insecurity. The coalition of organizations accuses the current administration of perpetuating the legacy of inadequate response to citizen safety and security.

Call to Action: Urgent Demands on President Tinubu

The coalition calls on President Bola Tinubu to urgently:

Fulfill the constitutional imperative of safeguarding citizens’ lives.
Declare a state of emergency on kidnapping and terrorism.
Enhance the country’s security infrastructure through an audit and bolster capabilities.
Promptly prosecute sponsors of terrorism arrested under the Buhari regime.
Investigate the misappropriation of funds earmarked for CCTV cameras in the Federal Capital Territory.
Secure the release of all abducted victims promptly.
Create a register of victims of abductions and mass atrocities.
Address the floundering economy, corruption, and human rights violations as exacerbating factors.
Engage citizens in ending insecurity and discourage ransom payments.
Provide holistic psychosocial support for abduction survivors and their families.

The report concludes with thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families, expressing solidarity with those affected by the trauma of insecurity. The coalition pledges to amplify the voices of citizens and demand accountability from the government on their behalf.

Signed by 48 Civil Society Organizations Across Nigeria.

Note: In the following pages, security experts provide advisory on how Nigerians can avoid being kidnapped and suggest a way out of insecurity in Nigeria.