A prominent youth coalition has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government, urging the immediate creation of a special court dedicated to prosecuting bandits, kidnappers, and violent extremists. This call is a direct response to the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation, highlighted by two recent mass abductions.
Youths Speak Out Against Worsening Insecurity
The Coalition of Nigerian Youths On Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) made the demand on Thursday. The group's Ogun State Coordinator, Comrade Ayo Akinrombi, declared that such a judicial body is long overdue. He emphasized that a specialized court is crucial to swiftly prosecute offenders and serve as a deterrent to others.
Akinrombi spoke at the Ogun State Youth Multi-Stakeholder Security Summit on Social Vices. The event was held in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Development at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Abeokuta.
The youth leader pointed to the recent abduction of 38 worshippers at a Christ Apostle Church in Eruku, Kwara State, and the kidnapping of over 300 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Papiri, Niger State, as stark reminders of the security crisis.
Applauding Presidential Action, Demanding More
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his efforts, Akinrombi stressed that more needs to be done. He specifically praised the President's decision to cancel his international trips to AU and EU events to focus on the security situation, a move that he noted contributed to the release of the abducted worshippers and students.
"What we youth want from Mr President is that he should do more on insecurity in terms of protecting our schools, borders," Akinrombi stated. "One of the things we are expecting the president to do is to have a special court that can prosecute bandits and kidnappers to make their cases fast to discourage others from doing."
He acknowledged a perceived reduction in banditry and kidnapping but expressed concern over the recent surge of attacks, particularly in the North Central and North East regions.
A Broader Campaign Against Social Vices
The summit also served as a platform to address other societal ills. Comrade Akinrombi chastised young people against engaging in cultism, drug abuse, and human trafficking. He lamented that these vices shorten lives and place a heavy financial burden on families who seek rehabilitation for their children.
"There is no gain in all these social vices," he warned. "We advise them no matter what you are passing through, follow the right way, shun cultism, stop human trafficking."
The coordinator also revealed that CONYSSA has been campaigning against social vices in seven states, including Ogun, without any support from the government. He made a direct appeal to the Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, and other agencies to provide support so the coalition can expand its reach and impact.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to several dignitaries, recognizing them as Icons of Security Ambassadors.
