Youths and students in Borno State on Sunday staged a peaceful protest against rising insecurity, calling on Nigerians to unite in the fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality across the country.
The awareness campaign, tagged #UniteAgainstTerror, drew participants from various student associations and youth organisations across the state. The rally took place at the Post Office area in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Speaking during the protest, the leader of the Youth and Students Forum in Borno State, Suleiman Muhammed, praised the Federal Government for its response in rescuing abducted students in Oyo State. He urged the authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of all kidnapped victims in Borno State.
Muhammed also warned against paying ransom to terrorists, saying such actions would encourage further criminal activities and worsen the country’s security challenges.
“This campaign is to call on our people, youths, and all Nigerians to unite in one voice against terrorism. We appreciate the government’s efforts in Oyo State and believe similar commitment will be extended to Borno. We are confident the government will not discriminate in addressing security challenges across the country,” he said.
While acknowledging ongoing government efforts, Muhammed appealed for stronger measures to end insurgency, stressing the need for youth empowerment and the creation of economic opportunities to reduce crime.
“We thank the government for what they have been doing, but we urge them to do more to bring an end to insurgency. There is also a need to create an enabling environment for young people to reduce the rate of crime in the country,” he added.
Other protesters called for increased investment in Nigeria’s security architecture and improved welfare for security personnel.
One of the participants, Khadijat Abdullahi, said the government must strengthen security agencies while addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty and unemployment.
“The government should equip troops, improve their welfare, and tackle the factors pushing people into crime. Youths need jobs and opportunities if we are to win this fight against insecurity,” she said.
The protesters urged Nigerians to support security agencies and remain united in the collective effort to defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace across the country.
