Some residents of Plateau State have called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intensify efforts to address persistent security challenges in the state and other parts of Nigeria.
The residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Jos, expressed concern over attacks and killings, particularly in rural communities.
Mr Jacob Pwakim, an analyst and Executive Director of the Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA), said persistent insecurity was affecting livelihoods and undermining the economic potential of Plateau State.
Pwakim, who is involved in promoting peaceful coexistence among communities, said residents continued to face attacks and isolated killings, creating fear and disrupting economic activities.
“Aside from the open attacks we see, there are isolated killings, and this is really affecting the economic potential of the people,” he said.
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He noted that insecurity had discouraged some rural residents from going to their farms, with implications for food production and household incomes.
“Nobody goes to farm again for fear of being killed, and that in itself poses a serious threat to food security and income generation of the rural populace.
“So, we call on the President to demonstrate deeper political will and end the cycle of violence in all parts of the country,” Pwakim said.
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Another resident, Mr Pam Chomo, called on security agencies to review their strategies in tackling insecurity and ensure that measures introduced by the Federal Government translate into improved security for communities.
Chomo welcomed the President’s approval for additional Nigerian Army formations and units but said Nigerians expected the measures to produce tangible results.
“Our security agencies must show commitment and put all hands on deck to secure the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
He also urged military personnel deployed to crisis-prone communities to remain professional and operate in accordance with established rules of engagement.
Similarly, Mrs Joyce Kim of the Justice Development and Peace Commission called for greater community involvement in efforts to improve security.
Kim said citizens, particularly those in rural communities, should adopt lawful measures to protect themselves and cooperate with relevant authorities.
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“The government or security agencies alone cannot provide security for us; Nigerians must adopt other lawful means to defend themselves,” she said.
She also urged parents, community leaders and religious leaders to consistently promote peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among their children, followers and communities.
The residents maintained that stronger collaboration among the government, security agencies and communities would be critical to improving security and protecting lives and livelihoods across Plateau State.
