CSOs Advocate for Inclusive Security Strategies as CAN Urges Federal Government Action
Accredited Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across Nigeria have issued a compelling call for a transformative shift towards more inclusive and community-driven approaches to combat the nation's escalating insecurity. They are urging the Federal Government to strengthen collaboration with grassroots actors to enhance security measures effectively.
Grassroots Intelligence and Community Engagement
In a statement released yesterday, Kunle Yusuff, Director-General of the Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative, emphasized that the evolving nature of insecurity demands strategies that extend beyond conventional responses. He stressed that communities must be placed at the forefront of prevention and early warning efforts to curb violence before it escalates.
The organizations highlighted their extensive grassroots presence, which provides unique access to local intelligence, early warning signals, and trust-based networks. They argued that stronger engagement between government agencies and civil society actors would significantly improve intelligence gathering, situational awareness, and active community participation in security initiatives.
According to the groups, community-driven mechanisms such as local dialogue platforms, conflict resolution structures, and peacebuilding initiatives are critical in addressing tensions and preventing crises in vulnerable areas. They also underscored the importance of integrating technology with local knowledge, noting that effective security management requires a blend of modern tools and community-based intelligence.
CAN's Call for Urgent Action in Northern Nigeria
Simultaneously, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Sokoto chapter, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to address the worsening insecurity across Sokoto State and the wider northern region. State CAN Chairman, Kayode Moses James, made this appeal during an Easter Praise and Prayer for Peace gathering in Sokoto yesterday.
James described the security situation as dire, marked by rampant banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks that instill fear and hardship among residents, transcending religious and ethnic lines. "We cannot gather today without acknowledging the cloud of insecurity that hangs over our state and many parts of the North," he said. "Lives have been lost, communities displaced, and farmers prevented from accessing their farmlands."
Deadly Bandit Attack in Kebbi State
In a related development, a tragic attack by suspected bandits on communities in the Gebbe District of Shanga Local Council, Kebbi State, on Sunday has left at least four persons feared dead. The attackers reportedly emerged from their hideout in Wawa Forest, located in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which borders the affected communities in Shanga.
During the assault, which impacted Kalkami, Tungar Bori, and Kawara communities, among others, several buildings were set ablaze. Confirmed reports indicate that, in addition to Kalkami, the suspected bandits also burnt down Kawara village yesterday. Across all affected communities, an undisclosed number of deaths and casualties were recorded.
A resident, speaking anonymously, confirmed that four people have lost their lives as a result of the attack. Vice Chairman of Shanga Local Government Area, Adamu Hamza Gebbe, verified the incident, noting that this was not the first time bandits had targeted the area. In a phone conversation, the District Head of Gebbe, Haruna Usman, condemned the attack and reported that residents had fled the communities, with some taking refuge on Gungu Island and others remaining in the forests.
Efforts to reach Bashir Usman, spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls at press time.
