Insurgency: Equip security agents with sophisticated weapons – Muslim women groups urges FG

Coalition of Muslim Women Groups under the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has charged the Nigerian government to equip security agencies in the country with sophisticated weapons in prosecuting the war against insurgency, terrorism and insecurity.

The group made the call at a media briefing on Wednesday in Abuja where it raised concerns about the continued and increasing cases of killings and abductions in different parts of the country.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the National Amirah, FOMWAN, Hajiya Rofiah Sanni said although there have been investments in procurement of weapons by government, it is observed that the insurgents are more equipped than security personnels in the battle field.

The National Amirah said sincere collaboration and cooperation at all levels of government is key to addressing the situation of insecurity adding that politicking and party affiliation must be put aside to win the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

She said: “As mothers, this unending trend of wanton killings gives us serious concerns. We therefore call on the government to up its game in the area of security which is one of its core responsibilities. If things continue like this, there is likely to be a descent into anarchy. Governments exist to forestall anarchy.

“Government at all levels, with special emphasis on the federal government must immediately put a stop to this precarious situation. No one is safe. We continue to receive shocking and saddening news of kidnapping for ransom by men of the under world. Where the victims are not able to raise the required ransom, they are killed. In fact, female victims are at disadvantage because they get raped and forcefully married on many occasions. This is our situation and it’s condemnation.

“In as much as we acknowledge the efforts of the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari on security, we say that their best is not good enough. They should take more courageous, decisive moves in stamping out the monsters in the kidnapping enterprise and other criminals wrecking havoc on humanity.

“We believe that despite the short period remaining for this administration, it can still make concerted efforts to change the narrative. Then, the citizens will be able to give kudos and remember this administration for good in many years to come.

“Governors are Chief Security Officers of their various states. They are assumed to be the most acquainted with the terrain of their states. Therefore, they should give all necessary support to the federal government, just as the federal government should be willing to collaborate with the state governments. The issue of insecurity must never be politicised because it knows no party. People from various party backgrounds have been at the receiving end of insecurity. We must work together in achieving peace and security.

“We are appealing to government at all levels to please give back women their dignity, reverse this trend and make our villages and country safe once again.

“We are equally calling on the men to take up their responsibility of protecting the women and children, fight for their rights and ensure that no harm comes to them” she added.

Hajiya Sanni also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to widen his cycle of consultations to involve local stakeholders to tackle the challenges of insecurity.

She stressed the need for empowerment of Nigerian citizens noting that poverty and frustration could lure them into criminality and terrorism. She urged that government deploy non-military approach to wage war against insecurity in the country.