Youths March, Call for National Unity Against Terrorism

Hundreds of young men and women marched to the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, urging Nigerians to come together in the fight against terrorism and insecurity nationwide.

The participants called on citizens of all political affiliations to form a united front against the security challenges confronting the country.

They said they could no longer stay silent while insecurity was being politicised, and warned of attempts by some individuals and groups to exploit security issues for political gain.

The demonstrators urged politicians across party lines to set aside differences and support the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and other forms of insecurity.

Banners carried slogans such as “Leaders from the ADC, PDP, APC Should Rise In One Accord Against Insecurity,” “Nigerians Unite Against Insecurity,” and the hashtag #NigeriansUniteAgainstTerror. The youths argued that a country can never defeat terrorism from a divided front.

One speaker, Comrade Austin Okhai, called on former security chiefs to step in, saying it is the right moment for them to use their experience for the nation’s benefit.

“We call on former military leaders, former service chiefs, former directors of the DSS, former IGPs, and former NSCDC CGs to collaborate in ensuring we have a country first,” he said.

He warned that insecurity was affecting politics and daily life, noting, “No political party can go on a rally when the people you mobilise cannot return to their homes.”

He emphasized that the foremost priority is a united Nigeria, adding, “After that, we can talk about who becomes President, governor, or member of the National Assembly.”

Okhai cited the United States, Israel, Pakistan, and Kenya as examples of countries facing multiple security challenges, stating that “no politician in those countries used those insecurity challenges as a campaign tool.”

Comrade Isah Abubakar also spoke, saying insecurity has become a nationwide problem affecting everyone and requires collective action.

“It is now clear that we have a very serious challenge. There are roads in Nigeria that, once it is 5 pm, you cannot pass through,” he said.

“And those that are affected are not only members of the APC, ADC, PDP, NDC, and PRP, but they are all Nigerians. It, therefore, has become imperative for us all to forget our political and religious differences and collectively fight this monster called terrorism and insecurity,” he declared.