Promoters of One Nigeria Ambassadors Club (PRONIG) have identified corruption and the poor socioeconomic conditions of a majority of the citizenry as reason for rise in kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in the polity.
Led by Dr. Edache O. Adigwu, the group in a statement contended that it is high time government stopped the waste of resources and channel government spending to addressing needs of Nigerians.
Expressing concern over the recent kidnap of 15 persons on January 6 and 7 this year in Zuma 1 and Sagwari Layout Estate in Dutse, all in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the group stressed that particular attention should be paid to the security of lives and property, which is the primary business of government.
“Nigerians have lost hope in their daily survival, so we should shift from the rhetoric of “antiquated” or “renewed” hope because none exist for a people who are not secured both physically and socioeconomically.,” the group noted.
“Nigeria is under a serious and catastrophic Security Epidemic which is threatening the foundation and pillars of the country’s existence and has left the entire citizenry apprehensive, endangered and helpless.
“The situation is dire, and was for long being addressed with rhetoric rather than confidence-building efforts. There is a suffocating pervading hopelessness on this issue and we cannot be shy or pretentious in the face of the obvious.In the last two decades, we have been faced with different kinds of security threats which have moved from an arithmetic progression to a geometric one.”
The group the renewed effort by the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) of the Nigeria Police to stem the tide of kidnapping and banditry in the polity as reactionary.
It added: “There has to be a sustainable security plan in place to safeguard Nigerians. We are ready to support and partner government on any good and productive measure or initiative it may be taking or introducing in practically addressing the problem of insecurity since we also understand that security is a collective business and responsibility. Our charge is for government to lead the way in a profound manner.”
By Adamu Abuh, Abuja -Guardian
