Insecurity: Northern Elders Warn Govt Over Imposition Of Curfew, Restrictions

Northern Elders Forum has warned that some of the measures being taken by some state governments will compound the desperate conditions of living of many communities in the north.

The forum pointed out that measures such as suspension of markets, restrictions on sale of petrol, closure of schools and some roads, declaration of curfews, and restriction on movement of cattle and the Federal Government’s plans to restrict communication will only do more harm to the people, The Publisher Nigeria gathered.

This was contained in a statement signed by Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Director, Publicity and Advocacy of Northern Elders Forum and made available to journalists in Abuja,

The organisation said it was closely monitoring the condition of many Northern communities “that have become particularly vulnerable to attacks and abuse by bandits, kidnappers and related organized criminals.”

The Forum said that the government should not stop at imposing this restrictions, demanding that “those who have powers to impose them also have clear ideas over what they could achieve and when.”

The group pointed out that these measures bring about virtual economic and social lockdowns on people who had been at the mercy of criminals for a long time.

“Unless they are accompanied by an aggressive and effective assault on the banditry and kidnapping industry, they will merely add to the misery and hopelessness of our communities,” the statement added.

“Worse, they could further embolden the bandits and the kidnappers when it becomes clear that governments and security agencies cannot go beyond lockdowns on communities.

“Communities themselves will lose even more faith in the capacity of the Nigerian State to respond to their desperate circumstances.

“The perception that communities are on their own must never be allowed to take deeper roots, but it will, when people see only the bandit and the kidnapper winning.

“The Forum calls on the federal government to assist States to relieve communities that are now living under additional pressures.

“State governments imposing additional hardships on communities must know that the measures they are introducing must produce tangible results within a period that makes them meaningful and tolerable.”

thepublisherngr

Recent Posts

Breaking: FIRS Announces Fresh Recruitment(See Details)

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has begun its recruitment exercise for experienced professionals to…

3 hours ago

NIGERIAN BREWERIES PARTNERS OZA CARNIVAL

PRESS STATEMENT Nigerian Breweries PLC - The pioneer and largest brewing company in Nigeria which is…

8 hours ago

Stampedes: Lagos Governor Warns NGOs,Groups Against Unapproved Food Distribution To Crowds,

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on individuals and groups intending to…

9 hours ago

Police Confirm Arrest Of Efe Money, Otokutu Chief Priest Over Murder Of Friend

The Delta State Police Command on Sunday confirmed the arrest of Efe Money and the Chief…

9 hours ago

Ndume insists on withdrawal of tax reform bills

Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has explained that he insisted on the withdrawal of…

9 hours ago

You can’t stop your husband from marrying all the women Allah has destined for him – Nigerian woman says

A Nigerian lady, Aisha Lawal, has said that no woman can stop her husband from…

9 hours ago