By Adeyinka Adeniran
Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in the country under the aegis of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures have condemned what it described as renewed wave of attacks and killings in different parts of the country.
The Conference, in a statement signed by ira Chairman, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin on Monday lamented that the recent gruesome acts have led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
He said the group is alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which the attacks are met.
Noting that the time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; the Speaker said urgent and coordinated action is required at all levels of government to end the bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
He said, although, the issue of defense and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal government, every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people.
He urged state governors, in particular, to rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions.
He challenged state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
He appealed to states governments to develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
He further called on the FG to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies, noting that millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis.
Ogundoyin said, “The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria strongly condemns the recent wave of brutal terrorist attacks and killings across several states in the country, notably in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger and most recently, Kwara State.
“These gruesome acts have led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met.
“The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defense and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people.
“State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions.
“True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering.
“We call on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
“States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
“Furthermore, we urge the Federal government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis.
“It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country.
“The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government.”
