The Northern Nigerian Security Conference on Tuesday called for action plan towards addressing insecurity ravaging the North and Nigeria by ensuring early warning system and quick response to conflict in the region.
The two-day security conference, convened by Arewa Research and Development Project to address spate of insecurity in the region such as Boko Haram, ethno- religious conflicts, farmer-herder conflicts, rural banditry, communal conflicts, kidnapping, armed robbery, urban youth violence and drugs, urged the formation of coordinating and implementation committee by the Federal Government and Northern states.
A communique issued after the summit said, “concerned by the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria; massive increase of circulation of small arms and light weapons; development of numerous “self-help” groups; rapidly rising level of hate and dangerous speech; observing the inability of farmers to go to their farms in many states and the growing threat of famine, we became convinced that citizens must rise to the occasion and devise strategies to provide for their safety;
“The Arewa Research and Development Project in collaboration with Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Savannah Centre Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations convened Northern Nigeria Security Conference in Kaduna to develop a survival strategy for the communities of the North and map out pathways for national survival.
“Concerned citizens and people with experience in security, logistics and intelligence carried out a thorough assessment and developed a thorough analysis of the security crisis in the country and declining state capacity and proposed a novel approach and action plan to address the rising state of insecurity in the country.
“Conference developed and adopted this action plan: To establish a coordinating body made up of representatives of each Northern state to coordinate the implementation of this action plan. State level coordinating bodies shall also be established. Create a mechanism for the documentation of insecurity in Northern Nigeria for the purpose of implementing a programme of early warning and early response to violent conflict.
“Mobilise communities on the most effective modalities for promoting their security. Engage with federal and state governments on creating synergy in promoting public safety, combating criminality and peace building. Encourage the development of responsive and responsible social media platforms and influencers to combat hate and dangerous speech and promote peaceful coexistence.
“Nigeria, and the North in particular is characterised by deep structural challenges that have created vulnerabilities and push towards conflicts and rising violence. Poverty has been growing and deepening over the past decade while inequality and conspicuous consumption of the rich, with doubtful source of funds, is creating anger among the people.
“Northern Nigeria has the highest population growth rate in the contemporary world which has created a huge youth bulge confronted by unemployment and underemployment. The family is in crisis and high poverty levels have created a significant push factor leading to poor families stepping away from their responsibility for good parenting.”
