Falana Urges Action to End Killings, Afenifere Backs Security Reform And Restructuring.
Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to halt the continued killings and abductions of unarmed citizens across Nigeria, particularly in Benue and Plateau states. He described the persistent violence as both unacceptable and preventable.
Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), made the appeal in a statement, expressing concern over the repeated attacks by armed herders and gunmen targeting vulnerable communities.
While condemning the violence, he commended the prompt response of security agencies to the recent killing of 16 people in Uromi, Edo State, where 14 suspects were swiftly apprehended. He also praised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for taking proactive steps, including visiting Kano to meet the families of the victims and pledging financial compensation.
However, Falana lamented the lack of similar measures in Benue and Plateau states, where numerous lives have been lost in repeated attacks. He urged the Attorneys-General of the affected states to ensure that those arrested are quickly charged to court to prevent further deterioration of law and order.
He also encouraged state governments to foster collaboration between citizens and security agencies, emphasising the importance of community intelligence and information-sharing in the fight against insecurity.
“To achieve security, the Nigerian state must earn the trust and cooperation of its people. We cannot afford to remain passive while our citizens are killed or abducted daily,” he said.
In a related development, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has also urged a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture. At the end of a caucus meeting held in Akure, the residence of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the group called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to work closely with state governors to tackle the country’s security challenges.
Afenifere reiterated its belief that restructuring remains the most effective way to address Nigeria’s longstanding political, social, and economic issues. The group renewed its call for the establishment of state police and true federalism, urging President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly in implementing meaningful reforms.
With voices from civil society and socio-cultural groups aligning, there is renewed pressure on the Federal Government to take decisive steps in reshaping Nigeria’s security and governance systems to ensure peace and stability across the nation.
