The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address Nigeria’s worsening security situation, warning that insecurity has become a major threat to national development and citizens’ well-being.
In an open letter addressed to the President and signed by the group’s General Secretary, Omoyoloye Oluruntimilehin Julius, and Convener, Odofin Oluwafemi Olusegun, the scholars expressed concern over what they described as the persistent spread of insecurity across all regions of the country.
The organisation, which said it comprises over 10,000 scholars and intellectuals from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, acknowledged the challenges associated with governing a diverse nation such as Nigeria and commended the administration’s efforts in tackling economic and infrastructural issues.
However, the group stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of any government and should take precedence over political considerations.
According to the scholars, many Nigerians are currently grappling with severe economic hardship while simultaneously facing growing threats to their personal safety. They noted that kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism and violent attacks have become common occurrences in many parts of the country.
The letter highlighted the activities of terrorist groups in Northern Nigeria, violent attacks in the South-East and the increasing operations of bandits and kidnappers in the South-West, warning that insecurity is no longer confined to specific regions.
The group cited incidents such as the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State and the abduction of students in Kwara State as evidence of the growing security challenge facing the nation.
“The reality is simple and painful: nowhere in Nigeria appears completely safe. Citizens who should be focused on productivity and national development are instead preoccupied with concerns about personal safety and survival,” the letter stated.
To address the situation, the scholars proposed a number of measures, including strengthening intelligence gathering and surveillance systems, promoting civic responsibility and patriotism among citizens, and increasing community-based security awareness.
They also renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that a decentralised policing structure would enable states to respond more effectively to local security challenges.
The organisation further urged the Federal Government to strengthen the South-West Security Network, Amotekun, by providing it with modern equipment and operational support.
The scholars also advocated the recruitment of more personnel into the Nigeria Police Force, citing the United Nations’ recommended police-to-population ratio, and called for improved welfare, training and equipment for security operatives across the country.
While urging the President to demonstrate strong political will in tackling insecurity, the group maintained that Nigerians require assurances that they can travel, work and live without fear.
They argued that securing lives and property should take precedence over political campaigns and electoral considerations, adding that a safer Nigeria would naturally promote economic growth, national unity and democratic stability.
The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative expressed optimism that the Tinubu administration would take decisive actions to restore peace and public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
