CSOS Mark National Day of Mourning, Condemn Rising Insecurity in the Country

By Amarachi Adimuko

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS ACROSS tin Nigeria have condemned the worsening insecurity in the country, accusing the government of failing to adequately protect lives and property.

In a statement signed by 96 organisations from all parts of the country, which was released to mark the ninth National Day of Mourning, the groups described the continued killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the country as alarming and preventable.

The organisations said the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Nigerian Lives Matter,” reflects growing concerns over insecurity and the government’s inability to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of ensuring citizens’ safety and welfare.

Citing data from massatrocities.org, the groups claimed that nearly 20,000 people have been killed and over 12,000 abducted in violent attacks since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. They also alleged that at least 1,486 security personnel have lost their lives in active duty within the same period.

The statement further noted that insecurity has worsened food shortages, disrupted farming and education, and increased poverty, displacement, and trauma across affected communities. According to the groups, at least 865 students have been abducted from schools since 2023.

The organisations also expressed concern over cases of extrajudicial killings, civilian casualties during security operations, and the lack of accountability for such incidents.

They criticised political leaders for focusing on the 2027 elections instead of addressing the security crisis, insisting that Nigerian lives must be prioritised.

The groups called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve protection for vulnerable communities, prosecute perpetrators of violent crimes, and provide support for victims and displaced persons.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to demanding justice and accountability for victims of insecurity across the country.

The 96 CSOs that signed the statement include Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT, SERAP, Yiaga Africa, CISLAC, RULAAC, Global Rights, and Media Rights Agenda, CEE Hope, Yobe Youth Council, the Kukah Centre, Sokoto Youth Council, Public Interest Lawyers League, Middle Belt Concern, International Press Centre, Human Rights Network Jigawa, CLEEN Foundation and the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, among others. among others.