June 12: Civil society coalition protest against insecurity in Osun, demand urgent action

A coalition of twelve civil society organizations (CSOs), activists, and trade unionists, on Friday commenced a peaceful protest in Osogbo, Osun State, to demand immediate government action against worsening nationwide insecurity.

The demonstration, which coincided with the 33rd anniversary of June 12 Democracy Day, was organized to strongly condemn governments at all levels for failing to adequately tackle the rising wave of kidnappings, banditry, and economic hardship across Nigeria.

The peaceful procession brought together several notable advocacy and human rights groups, including: Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC), Take It Back Movement, Coalition Against Insecurity and Bad Governance, Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON), and Centre for Sustained Dialogue among others.

The coalition converged at the Ayetoro area of the state capital and walked through Igbonna, Olonkoro, Old Garage, Oke-fia and Olaiya. The protesters were singing different solidarity songs to express their dissatisfaction with the spate of insecurity across the country.

Carrying banners with inscriptions such as “Government must end kidnapping in Nigeria,” the protesters specifically demanded the immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

Addressing journalists during the protest, Osun State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Victor Lijofi, said Nigeria’s democracy was “derailing” and urged government at all levels to act decisively on the worsening security situation. “We demand immediate rescue of the school pupils abducted in Oyo State.

Nigeria’s democracy is derailing, and we warn the Federal Government to act fast. Nigeria is drifting dangerously. Tinubu can’t watch as if nothing is happening,” Lijofi said.

In separate remarks, Wole Oladapo of Nigerians for Good Governance and Saka Waheed of Dialogue 365 also called for urgent intervention to address insecurity in the country.

Oladapo said insecurity across the country was already affecting economic activities, adding that both federal and state governments had failed in their responsibility to protect citizens.

Comrade Waheed Lawal, who read the protest demands, said the march was not only about insecurity but also against worsening economic conditions in the country.

He demanded the immediate release of all abducted Nigerians, including schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as others held across the country.

Lawal also called for improved security nationwide and decisive action to tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, herder-farmer clashes and police brutality. “Government must take decisive action to end banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, abduction, herder-farmer conflicts, and police brutality.

“Accountability from the Federal and State Governments regarding the trillions of naira allocated to security and defence over the past three years. “Nigerians deserve to know how these resources have been utilised. No to another Dasuki-gate.

“The reversal of all anti-people economic policies that have worsened the living conditions of Nigerians and denied millions of families access to basic necessities, including adequate food,” he stated.

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