National Issues
The Human Cost of Insecurity in Nigeria -By Olomu Victorious Ogheneyervowo
Nigeria cannot afford to treat insecurity as anoth er news story. Stronger security measures, inte lligence gathering, youth empowerment programs and community cooperation are all necessary s teps towards lasting peace. Citizens also have a role to play by supporting efforts to improve security and repor ting suspicious activities.
Every day many Nigerians wake up hoping to return safely. For some that hope becomes an uncertainty. Across parts of the count ry, kidnapping, banditry and violent atta cks have turned what should be ordinary activities. Going to school, t ravelling, farming or running a bu siness. Into risky undertakings.
The recent reports of abducted teachers and students have again reminded Nigerians of the growing insecurity facing the nation. Behind every headline is a family waiting for answers parents praying for the return of their children and communities s truggling to c ope wi th fe ar and loss.
As students many of us now hear sto ries of parents worrying whenever their children leave for sch ool. What used to be normal has become a source of concern. The situ ation bec omes more painf ul when the victims are students a nd teachers whose only aim is to learn and teach.
Insecurity is not taking lives it is affecting education, economic growth and social st ability. Many students have mi ssed class es because schools are no l onger considered safe. Farmers abandon their farmlands out o f fear of attacks leading to reduced food production a nd higher food prices. Businesses a lso suffer when people are afraid to tra vel or invest in areas.
While poverty, unemployment and weak security systems are often ment ioned as causes the consequences go beyond statistics. Families are being separa ted dreams are being cut short. Many citizens now live with constant anxiety about w hat tomorrow may bring.
Nigeria cannot afford to treat insecurity as anoth er news story. Stronger security measures, inte lligence gathering, youth empowerment programs and community cooperation are all necessary s teps towards lasting peace. Citizens also have a role to play by supporting efforts to improve security and repor ting suspicious activities.
A nation develops when its people feel sa fe. Until Nigerians can go about their lives without fear the fight, against insecurity must remain a na tional priority. The voices of victims, families and concerned citizen s must continue to be hea rd because silence will not solve the problem. Only collective action can bring lasting change.