A coalition of 84 civil society organizations (CSOs) has lamented the high level of insecurity in Nigeria, citing the killing of at least 4,416 people and the abduction of 4,334 others in various attacks and conflicts across the country in the last one year.
The CSOs, led by Global Rights, made this known at a press conference in Abuja to commemorate the 7th National Day of Mourning for victims of mass atrocities.
They demanded that the Nigerian government fulfill its constitutional obligations to ensure the security and well-being of citizens.
The Programme Manager of Global Rights, Edosa Oviawe, stated that the government should prioritize providing quality education, infrastructure, and opportunities for the indigent and marginalized.
He also called for improved welfare and psychosocial support for security personnel and the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of perpetrators of violent crimes.
The CSOs warned that the government’s failure to fulfill its constitutional duty would result in a vote of no confidence.
They commiserated with Nigerians who have lost loved ones and property to mass atrocities and demanded justice for the dead and displaced, as well as the safe return of all abducted persons.
Other CSOs that signed the text of the press conference include Amnesty International Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, BudgIT, CLEEN Foundation, and Human Rights Network Jigawa, among others.