ADC Chairman Laments Escalating Insecurity, Urges Party Unity for National Rescue
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has expressed deep concern over the worsening state of insecurity, kidnapping, and violence across Nigeria. He criticized the clear inability of the All Progressives Congress-led government to find effective solutions to these pressing challenges.
Mark made these remarks during the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held yesterday in Abuja. He called on ADC members to rise to the occasion and rescue a nation that he described as wallowing in various anomalies. The chairman emphasized that the journey ahead would be demanding but assured that with unity, discipline, and commitment, victory could be achieved.
Mark's Call for Purposeful Leadership
"Let us remain steadfast and resolute," Mark told NEC members. "Nigerians across all walks of life are yearning for purposeful leadership, equity, justice, and a government that truly serves the people. The responsibility before us, therefore, is not just political — it is moral and historic."
He stressed the importance of internal cohesion within the party, stating: "As leaders of this great movement, we must rise above personal interests and remain united in our resolve to build a strong, disciplined, and people-oriented party. Internal cohesion, respect for party structures, and adherence to democratic principles must remain our guiding pillars."
Mark added that recent developments had demonstrated the party's collective will to remain focused and united, which he described as stronger than any divisive tendencies. He called for closing ranks, deepening consultation, and reinforcing confidence in the party's leadership and processes.
NYSC Relocates Orientation Camps Amid Security Concerns
In a related development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has relocated its orientation camps in several states, including Kwara and Kaduna, citing ongoing security threats and a commitment to protecting corps members. This move follows persistent appeals from parents and education stakeholders who had raised concerns about placing graduates in high-risk rural areas.
The agency issued a statement addressing recent controversial claims about negligence and fictitious "ransom clauses," describing these allegations as inaccurate and misrepresenting the scheme's operations. The statement emphasized that corps members posted to volatile regions receive adequate protection, including military escorts.
Additionally, the NYSC disclosed that over the last five years, it has spent more than N500 million on urgent medical interventions for corps members nationwide. The relocation of camps comes amid heightened anxiety among prospective corps members and their families as the 2026 Batch A (Stream 1) orientation exercise commenced.
Security Challenges Across Multiple States
Reports from Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, and Katsina states have highlighted significant challenges in traveling to areas prone to bandit attacks, kidnappings, and bomb threats. Guardians, under the aegis of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (PTA), have consistently advocated for moving camps from rural, high-risk areas to safer urban locations.
Last September, PTA's National President, Haruna Danjuma, commended the Kwara State government's decision to relocate the NYSC camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Council to the Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin. He described this move as demonstrating concern for the safety of young Nigerians and urged other state governments to follow this example.
Plateau Youths Protest Escalating Insecurity
Meanwhile, youths under the banners of the Coalition of Northern Zone Ethnic Nationalities and the Plateau Youth Coalition staged a protest yesterday at the Plateau Government House in Jos. They expressed grave concern over persistent attacks in rural communities and escalating insecurity across the state.
The protesters gathered around 11 a.m., highlighting recent ambushes on security personnel and civilians, and calling for urgent measures to restore peace. President of Plateau Youth Coalition, Ezekiel Peter Bini, explained that the protest was prompted by a recent attack in Kanam Local Council that resulted in the death of approximately 14 security officers.
President of Berom Youth Movement and Chairman of the Northern Zone Coalition, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, noted that displaced insurgents from other regions appear to be relocating to Plateau and the Middle Belt, creating additional security challenges. President of the Berom Women Development Association, Ngo Esther Banga, highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on women and children, noting that attacks have significantly increased the number of widows and orphans in the region.
Collaborative Efforts to Address Security Challenges
In response to these security concerns, the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), in partnership with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRING) and the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA), recently hosted a high-level consultative and peer learning dialogue. This event brought together security officials and peacebuilding actors from Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau states to strengthen collaboration and address shared security challenges.
The event, held in Jos, Plateau State, aimed to share experiences and strategies for tackling insecurity in these crisis-affected states. Director-General of OSPRE, Chris Ngwodo, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, stating that no single tier of government could address today's security challenges in isolation.
"This event forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen subnational coordination, enhance early warning systems, and promote adaptive and locally-driven responses to evolving threats," Ngwodo explained. He revealed that in 2025, OSPRE, through its SPARCS programme, had trained over 300 men and women across the North-West and North-Central zones to detect, analyse, and respond to conflict risks in real time.
Team Lead for SPRING, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, communities, and development partners in addressing the complex drivers of insecurity. Director-General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, Julie Sanda, commended OSPRE and SPRING for their sustained commitment to fostering peace and stability in the state and the wider northern region, calling for expanded collaboration to scale successful interventions and deepen impact at the community level.
