Akwa Ibom raises alarm over terror threat
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Akwa Ibom State have called on residents to unite, speak out and take collective action against terrorism, describing it as one of the greatest threats to peace, security and national unity.
Speaking at a gathering convened to address growing security concerns, the Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Franklyn Isong, said terrorism had destroyed homes, separated families and caused widespread suffering across religious, ethnic and social divides.
*Akwa Ibom raises alarm over terror threat
Etim Ekpimah
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Akwa Ibom State have called on residents to unite, speak out and take collective action against terrorism, describing it as one of the greatest threats to peace, security and national unity.
Speaking at a gathering convened to address growing security concerns, the Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Franklyn Isong, said terrorism had destroyed homes, separated families and caused widespread suffering across religious, ethnic and social divides.
“Akwa Ibom, Unite Against Terror” was the central message of the meeting, which was organised in part by CHRAN.
“Terrorism is a common enemy,” Isong said. “If you witness suspicious activity or criminal conduct and remain silent, you create room for harm to grow, and eventually it may affect you as well. Our message is simple: if you see something, say something. Save the contact details of security agencies, provide timely information and work with the authorities to protect lives and communities.”
Isong noted that insecurity remains a national challenge, citing persistent security threats in the North-East, North-Central, North-West and parts of the South-West. They warned that although Akwa Ibom is relatively peaceful, it is not immune to emerging threats.
“The same criminal elements operating elsewhere can also find their way here,” Isong said. “Even those who cannot see can sense that security has become increasingly fragile across Nigeria.”
President of Libertas Solicitors (General Law Practitioners), Foundation for Civic Education, Human Rights and Development Advancement, Clifford Thomas, said examples of community-led responses to insecurity demonstrated that local communities can play a significant role in safeguarding themselves.
According to him, residents of a community in Bayelsa State recently mobilised and thwarted an attempted abduction by armed men, rescuing the intended victims before security agencies intervened. He added that the locals also kidnapped the kidnappers and placed a ransom of N50 million for each of them.
He also cited reports from Ekiti State, where communities reportedly collaborated with local security structures to repel attacks by criminal elements. He added that all 92 bandits were neutralised.
Thomas stressed that while incidents should always be reported to the appropriate security agencies, communities should also strengthen lawful local security and vigilance mechanisms.
“Do not wait passively for harm to strike,” he said. “Section 33(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) recognises the right to lawful self-defence. However, this must never be interpreted as a licence for violence or extra-judicial actions.”
He also advocated reforms in security administration, suggesting that appointing officers with strong local knowledge to leadership positions could enhance accountability and improve community relations.
“If an Akwa Ibom indigene serves as Commissioner of Police in the state, residents may feel a stronger sense of connection and accountability. Such familiarity can help strengthen trust between the police and the communities they serve,” Thomas said.
He pledged that the “Akwa Ibom, Unite Against Terror” campaign would be sustained and expanded, adding that participating organisations would continue to condemn violence and those who support or finance criminal activities.
The groups called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations and families to work together to ensure that no part of the state becomes a haven for criminal elements.
“From government offices to the smallest household, we all suffer when insecurity is allowed to thrive,” Thomas said. “We must stand together because violence succeeds only when people remain silent and divided,” he added.
Also speaking, Dr Uduak Ekarika said residents did not want to witness further loss of lives, including those of children and security personnel.
“We say no to violence and terrorism in Akwa Ibom State,” she said.
Ekarika appealed to residents to reject violence in all its forms and embrace peaceful coexistence.
“We are calling on all residents to live together in harmony. We do not want to lose our husbands, wives, children or loved ones to violence,” she said.
She also expressed concern over the increasing incidence of domestic violence in the state and called for greater efforts to address the problem.
“Let us embrace peace and mutual respect so that our communities can thrive. We also urge members of the public to refrain from rape and all forms of sexual abuse, especially the abuse and defilement of children.
“Let us protect our children, support the elderly and promote a peaceful environment where everyone can live safely and with dignity,” Ekarika added.
