BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC), Kaduna, has expressed concern over rising insecurity and growing social instability in Nigeria, warning that recent trends, if unchecked, could undermine peace, unity and national development.
Through its Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) System, the Centre urged government authorities, security agencies, religious leaders and community stakeholders to take proactive steps in addressing emerging security threats across the country.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by the Director, Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) System, Rev. Michael I. Ikpa, the Centre warned that several emerging indicators of insecurity were becoming more pronounced and required urgent attention from all stakeholders.
The warning followed a strategic review meeting convened by the Co-Executive Directors, Mr. Samson Auta and Malam Hayatu Nura, alongside members of the EWER team, where key early warning indicators were reviewed.
The Centre noted that several developments, including the spread of religious hate speech and intolerance on social media, were deepening divisions within communities and fuelling mistrust among citizens.
It also raised concern over the rising wave of criminal activities, including theft, ritual killings linked to the pursuit of wealth and power, as well as increasing cases of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
According to IMC, other disturbing trends include the escalation of cybercrime, persistent cases of kidnapping, and growing insecurity around schools as students resume academic activities nationwide.
The Centre further observed that ongoing political tensions were worsening the security climate, creating fear and uncertainty in different parts of the country.
The Centre stressed that the early warning signals should not be ignored, noting that they reflect deeper structural challenges requiring urgent and coordinated intervention.
IMC, therefore, called for strengthened collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, religious bodies, civil society organisations and community leaders to effectively address emerging threats.
IMC also urged religious and traditional leaders to intensify messages of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in their engagements with followers.
It called for increased investment in youth empowerment programmes to curb drug abuse, reduce criminal involvement and promote productive engagement among young people.
The Centre further advocated the establishment and strengthening of community-based early response mechanisms, including local peace committees and surveillance systems to detect and address threats at early stages.
On education, IMC called for urgent measures to secure schools and ensure safe learning environments for students and staff across the country.
It also warned against the misuse of digital platforms, urging citizens to avoid spreading misinformation, hate speech and inflammatory content, while promoting peace and unity online.
Political actors were also urged to exercise restraint in their statements and prioritise national unity over partisan interests.
The Centre reaffirmed its commitment to peacebuilding, conflict prevention and social cohesion, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
The Centre maintained that peace and security remain collective responsibilities, adding that sustained cooperation is necessary to build a safer and more united society.
