Unite Against Insecurity: Civil Groups Demand End to Finger-Pointing

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

For the second time this week, the United Against Terror Movement staged another peaceful solidarity march in Abuja on Thursday, calling for urgent national unity, stronger security coordination, and an end to terrorism and corruption across Nigeria.

Persecondnews correspondent who joined the road walk, reports that participants urged government, political actors and citizens to end blame games and adopt collective action to address the country’s worsening security situation.

Insecurity and corruption have become heavy national burdens that require action beyond political lines, according to Okai Austin, co-convener of the United Against Terror Movement.

Speaking exclusively to Persecondnews at Unity Fountain, Austin warned against normalizing criminal activities and urged everyone to stand united against terrorism.

“Insecurity is everyone’s responsibility. The government alone cannot carry this burden. All Nigerians must unite and speak against terrorism and reject any attempt to normalize criminal activities,” he said.

He called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, political parties and civil society groups to unite in condemning insecurity and resisting political blame games.

“When leaders continue to blame each other instead of working together, it creates room for criminals to expand. Nigeria must come first above every political interest,” he added.

He noted that ongoing discussions on state policing at the National Assembly represent a step in the right direction.

“The debate on state policing currently ongoing in the National Assembly is a positive step forward. And I am sure the bill will be passed today. It must however be followed immediately with decisive and practical action across the country,” he added.

Co-convener, Igwe Udemata, in a separate interview with Persecondnews at the rally, warned that Nigeria is witnessing a dangerous escalation in mass kidnappings and attacks.

He said recent incidents suggest criminal groups are sending a message of impunity.

“What we are seeing today is a disturbing wave of mass kidnappings and abductions nationwide. It clearly shows that perpetrators are sending a message that nothing serious will happen to them afterwards,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government, citizens and political actors to unite in confronting insecurity as a shared national threat.

“We are facing a very dangerous common enemy today across Nigeria. Security is not about politics at all. We must all put aside sentiments and come together urgently as Nigerians to protect lives everywhere,” he said.

He warned that insecurity is no longer confined to specific regions, noting its spread across the country.

Also speaking in a separate interview with Persecondnews at the rally point, Comrade Danesi Prince Momoh, Convener Support for Democracy Accountability and Anti-Corruption Initiative, said the worsening security situation demands urgent national unity.

He warned that continued political divisions would only worsen insecurity across the country.

“The level of terrorist activities in Nigeria has reached a point where no one can afford to stand aside. We must all come together and confront this challenge as one nation,” he said.

He added that insecurity is spreading across multiple regions and requires urgent collective intervention.

“We are seeing insecurity spread across different parts of the country. If we continue to trade accusations instead of solutions, we will all suffer the consequences,” he said.

He further urged political leaders to prioritize national survival over partisan interests.

“Blame games will not solve this problem. The only way forward is unity among all Nigerians, from national leaders down to ordinary citizens working together for peace, stability, and progress across the nation,” he added.

The rally ended with renewed calls for national unity, stronger security collaboration, and intensified efforts to end terrorism and corruption in Nigeria.

Persecondnews recalls that the group had previously embarked on similar demonstrations on Tuesday, aimed at drawing attention to the growing security challenges and the need for urgent collective response from government and citizens.