By Ruby Leo
A summit organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth in Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) has called on stakeholders to collaborate with security agencies to tackle cases of kidnapping, banditry and other crimes in the FCT and the country as a whole.
President of CONYSSA, and convener of the summit, Nehemiah Zaka speaking at the summit, in Bwari Area Council town hall on Saturday, reiterated it was to address the pressing issue of banditry, kidnapping for ransom and other strands of violent crime.
According to him various were resurfacing especially in rural communities of the FCT and across different regions in the country.
He said the upsurge in reported cases of kidnapping and banditry without engaging relevant stakeholders for collaboration with security agents may likely spread into urban areas if left to fester.
He added that a collaboration between the FCT stakeholders and security management would curb kidnapping, banditry and other crimes effectively.
“And to tackle these challenges we face in the FCT, we must break down silos and work together through government agencies, security forces, community leaders, and citizens to create a formidable front against those who threaten our peace,” he said.
He added “We also have to explore the critical need to build economic resilience in our local communities as a strategy for sustainable security management,” he said.
He said economic stability and opportunities are the foundation of a secure environment, saying empowering rural communities economically, will not only deter crime but also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among its citizens.
The CONYSSA president, therefore, commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining an open-door policy on security management.
Also speaking, the House of Representatives member for AMAC/Bwari federal constituency, Hon Joshua Obika, stressed the need for the FCT Area Council legislators to come up with a bye-law that will checkmate activities of kidnappers/bandits informants in the rural communities.
He said the National Assembly is ever ready to give the necessary support in ensuring that such by-laws are given the desired attention it deserves.