NUJ condemns rising killings, demands urgent action from political, security leaders

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has once again raised alarm over the unending wave of killings and bloodshed plaguing communities across Nigeria, calling for immediate and decisive action from the country’s leaders.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Secretary, Achike Chude, the union described the situation as both tragic and unacceptable.

According to the NUJ, the persistent reports of senseless killings from states such as Edo, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Imo, and Ondo clearly show that Nigeria’s security and socio-political fabric is dangerously threatened.

The union argued that these brutal attacks point to a glaring failure of institutions and a seeming inability of security forces to defend the country’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens.

However, the NUJ firmly rejected the idea that a small band of criminals, insurgents, and terrorists could overpower the Nigerian state.

The union insisted that Nigeria’s security forces, who once contributed to restoring peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone, still possess the capacity, strength, and bravery to defeat those sowing chaos across the country.

“The problem cannot be with our security forces who have made enormous sacrifices in this battle for peace,” the statement noted.

“Their heroism in various conflict zones cannot be overstated, and Nigerians owe them an unpayable debt of gratitude.”

The NUJ, however, blamed the nation’s political class for failing to build a united front against insecurity.

It called on political elites to drop accusations and counter-accusations of complicity in the violence and instead forge a collective strategy to rid the country of terrorism and criminality.

The union warned that any political leader who has directly or indirectly contributed to the bloodshed would one day face justice, declaring that the country can no longer afford to lose innocent lives to the bloodlust of those threatening its survival.

In a passionate appeal, the NUJ stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful progress in the midst of conflict and violence.

It urged leaders to embrace a new sense of political responsibility, rethink their approaches to leadership, and work tirelessly to bring about peace.

“It’s enough. Too many lives have been lost, and it must stop now,” the statement read. “The Nigeria Union of Journalists is demanding a serious overhaul of the nation’s security structure and a renewed political will to finally crush insecurity across the land.”

The union ended its message with prayers for Nigeria’s peace and unity.