Women Organisations Urge Immediate Action from National Assembly Amid Rising Insecurity

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

A coalition of over 500 women organisations, activists, advocates, and practitioners, Womanifesto, has vehemently condemned the escalating wave of insecurity, especially kidnappings, in Nigeria.

The group in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday emphasised the paramount importance of citizen welfare and security, and demanded the immediate resumption of the National Assembly to address the crisis.

They cited Section 14(2b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, saying: “The government’s constitutional obligation is to prioritise the safety of its citizens.”

The group expressed deep concern over the prolonged threat to Nigerians, particularly women and children, as they face the dire consequences of kidnappings, including the tragic loss of lives. Citizens resorting to crowd-funding for ransoms add to the gravity of the situation.

It stated that: “Recent data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) reveals alarming statistics with over 380 people kidnapped between December 1, 2023, and January 3, 2024.” 

“Womanifesto, drawing attention to an analysis by SBM Intelligence, notes an increase to 3,620 reported kidnapped persons in Nigeria between June 2022 and July 2023.”

The group emphasised the urgency of the matter by challenging the government’s official statistics, suggesting that the actual number of kidnappings in 2024 may be higher.

They also expressed disbelief at the National Assembly’s extension of its holiday after a three-week Christmas and New Year recess.

“In the midst of this crisis, Womanifesto finds it unimaginable that the National Assembly extended its holiday after a three-week Christmas and New Year recess. This action, we believe, reeks of nonchalance and lack of empathy by those elected to represent the interest of Nigerians. This action is grossly unacceptable to us. We demand that the National Assembly calls off this recess and resumes plenary immediately.

“The constant threat of violence and kidnapping has left many Nigerians feeling unsafe and vulnerable. Women and children are particularly at risk, with reports of kidnappings and sexual violence on the rise. This continued holiday is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.

“While we applaud recent efforts by security agencies in rescuing some of the kidnapped victims, we demand that the government takes concrete steps to ensure the safety of its citizens. Our security forces must be anticipatory rather than reactionary.

“This includes increasing security measures, providing support to victims of violence, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. We also call on national lawmakers to prioritise this issue and take swift action to address it,” the group stated.

The statement was signed by a formidable list of organisations and individuals, including 9jafeminista, Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls, Above Whispers Foundation, and numerous others. Womanifesto’s demand for immediate action resonates as a collective plea for the well-being and safety of all Nigerians.