BY JULIET EKWENUGO, Kaduna
The Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), through its Early Warning and Early Response (EWER)/Community Peace Action Network (CPAN) Desk, has called for urgent and collective action to address insecurity, kidnapping, killings, political hate speech and other forms of criminality threatening peace and national development.
The organisation made the call in a statement signed by its Director, EWER/CPAN, Rev. Michael Ijah Ikpa, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The IMC expressed concern over the level of insecurity and criminality across the country, citing kidnapping, armed robbery, communal violence, banditry, political intolerance and youth involvement in criminal activities among the challenges confronting the nation.
It also raised concern over the increasing use of hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric and political communication capable of deepening divisions among Nigerians, particularly as the country moves towards another critical political period.
The organisation said political differences were legitimate in a democracy but should not be transformed into hatred, violence or the dehumanisation of political opponents.
It called on the Federal and state governments, security agencies, political parties, religious and traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the media and community leaders to strengthen collaboration in addressing the root causes and manifestations of insecurity.
The IMC also called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation and effective community-based early warning and response mechanisms, as well as firm action against kidnappers, armed robbers and other perpetrators of violent crimes.
It urged political leaders, parties, candidates and their supporters to desist from hate speech, incitement, misinformation, disinformation and statements capable of provoking violence or deepening political and ethnic divisions.
The organisation further called for greater investment in youth skills development, education, entrepreneurship and employment to reduce young people’s vulnerability to criminal recruitment.
It urged Nigerians to reject violence, revenge attacks, political intolerance and criminality, while embracing dialogue, peaceful engagement, mutual respect and the rule of law as means of resolving differences.
The IMC said government had the primary responsibility to protect lives and property, but noted that citizens, communities, religious institutions, political actors, the media and civil society also had important roles to play in promoting peace and security.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring emerging threats, strengthening community resilience and supporting stakeholders in preventing conflicts before they escalate into violence.
