A Civil Society Organisation established for peace advocacy has called on the federal government to address socio-economic inequities exacerbating criminality across the country.
It also urged the government to prioritise qualitative education for all, infrastructure for unserved communities and opportunities for indigent and marginalised Nigerians.
The Srarina Initiative for Peace Justice and Development (SIPJAD) tasked the government to fulfil its constitutional obligations under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and ensure the security of Nigerians’ lives and properties.
The Team Lead of the group, Redzie Jugo, made the call during a walk in the Jos metropolis to commemorate the National Day of Mourning, NDOM2024.
The group asked the government to ” in particular, Act humanely towards internally displaced persons across the country and communities affected by insecurity as stipulated in Section 17(2)(c) of the Constitution
“Prioritize improving the welfare (including psychosocial support) of our gallant security assets who daily deal with the trauma of being on the frontlines.
“Disincentivize the payment of ransoms by tracking the financial flow of ransoms and communal extortions to identify and bring to book terrorists and terror merchants currently pillaging Nigeria”, he maintained.
“Investigate, arrest, and prosecute all perpetrators of these violent crimes, including those perpetrated during the 2023 general elections.
“On this occasion of this year’s National Day of Mourning, we commiserate and stand in solidarity with all Nigerians who have lost loved ones and property to mass atrocities; we demand justice for the dead and displaced and the safe return of all abducted persons.
“As a coalition of organised civil society groups across Nigeria, we pledge to continue to amplify citizens’ voices and demand accountability from the government”, he stressed.
