NINGONET, a coalition of NGOs, has advised the government to take urgent action to halt violent clashes that could jeopardise the smooth conduct of the 2019 general elections.
NINGONET for Humanitarian Development Response Initiative, said on Friday in Abuja that government should be proactive and prompt in responding to the pastoralists-farmer crisis, cases of militias, Boko Haram menace, kidnapping and militancy.
These violent crises should not be allowed to escalate and jeopardise peace and security, especially as the country prepares for the 2019 general elections.
It noted that insecurity around the country has continued to hamper humanitarian response by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
“The displaced and affected population have no form of trauma-related psychosocial intervention.
“The reprisal attacks on the herdsmen, farmers in various communities can escalate into a huge bloodshed that could possible result in war.
“The country is also facing an increase in kidnapping for ransom leading to the feeling of insecurity that has posed a threat and it is more disturbing that the security agencies appear to be helpless in addressing the situation.’’
It noted that Boko Haram insurgency had created humanitarian crisis in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states causing a devastating impact on food security and nutrition in the North East.
some Boko Haram fighters
NINGONET said that violent clashes have caused greater issue on food security as farmlands are currently destroyed alongside farm produce and farmers are unable to go to the farms.
It advised the government to be more serious in the protection of the lives and properties of Nigerians and come to the aide of all those that have fallen victims.
The Federal and State Governments, it said, should put in more efforts to arrest and prosecute those causing unrest and those found going against policies.
“The security agencies must be proactive and deploy intelligence to put an end to kidnapping of fellow Nigerians and foreigners.
NINGONET is a coalition of National Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria working in the humanitarian response sector as a voice for people affected by crisis, conflicts or natural disasters through prompt response.
