Group tasks FG on kidnapping, insecurity

Worried by rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity across the country, a group, Secure Our Life, in collaboration with 100 Women Lobby Group, has asked the Federal Government to give priority to the security of life and property of the citizens.

The group made the appeal in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the launch of a campaign against kidnapping, in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Gender Development Initiative (GENDI), (WAHPOD), among others.

Wife of the state governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, said she would always be supportive of any work that supports the wellness of women in society.

Represented by the wife of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Veronica Sorunke, she maintained that it was important for the government to provide a safe space for its citizens to thrive.

She said: “Providing a safe space where our people, no matter how young or old, can come forward and speak up without fear if they are experiencing any form of violence is the first step to recovery, and hopefully to a future free of violence.

“Drawing attention of the government and those in authority is then the next step; and after that, continuing to apply pressure until we begin to see changes.

“These are some of the things we must do to sustain this campaign and I am happy to see this as part of your plans.”

On her part, the state coordinator of 100 Women Lobby Group, Prof. Olubunmi Ashimolowo, said the campaign was initiated because of the high level of insecurity in the country.

“We as women, saying no to insecurity in Nigeria. Because violence is on the increase, schools are closing down, communities are being rendered incapacitated, even the police are overwhelmed.

“The system is not working. When I say the system, I mean things are not working in terms of security in Nigeria. So, as women, we feel it is time to come out to lend our voices to collective actions,” Ashimolowo added.