The Africa Freedom Foundation (AFF) and the Yari Roundtable for Peace have issued a stark warning to the Federal Government, urging it to take urgent action to halt Nigeria’s worsening security crisis or seek external assistance if overwhelmed.

The warning was delivered on Friday during a one-day summit convened by former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, in Abuja themed “Conversation on the Search for Peace in Nigeria.”

The event brought together Christian and Muslim clerics, policy-makers and security experts to interrogate the country’s deteriorating security landscape.

Stakeholders at the meeting expressed grave concern about the relentless killings, kidnappings and human rights violations across the country. They called for immediate national dialogue, stronger governance and transparent management of security funds.

Delivering his opening remarks, Sani said the government must embrace accountability for the billions allocated yearly to security agencies. He warned that Nigeria’s unity was becoming increasingly fragile.

“The appropriate use of security funds must be questioned,” Sani said. “The urgency of national dialogue has never been more critical, as peaceful co-existence in Nigeria is at risk.”

The former lawmaker, who has been vocal about the surge in attacks nationwide, said the Federal Government must be willing to seek international help if it cannot tame the crisis.

“Muslims are killed in Katsina, Christians are killed in Benue. Muslims are killed in Zamfara, Christians are killed in Plateau. Every day people are being buried. What are we talking about?” he lamented.

He added that governance requires humility and openness, stressing that “because you are in power doesn’t mean you have the monopoly of knowledge of how to solve problems. You must reach out. You must discuss with people. You must find solutions. If you see someone from your family taking his problem outside of your family, it’s because it cannot be solved within your family.”

Archbishop James Malgit of the Plateau Diocese echoed Sani’s concerns, condemning the escalation of violence and human rights abuses.

“The government must take immediate action to stop the growing violence and protect the lives of Nigerians,” he said. “Human rights are being violated with impunity, and the government must act now to restore justice and peace.”

Also speaking, Chief Imam Abubakar Sadik Yusuf of Kaduna Polytechnic decried the rising cases of kidnappings and killings.

“The government must take stronger measures to tackle this growing wave of insecurity,” he warned. “We cannot afford to ignore the plight of the people any longer.”

In a joint communique, religious leaders stressed the importance of transparency in the management of security resources.

“It is imperative that the government ensures transparency in the allocation of security resources,” the statement read. “Only through clear accountability and effective action can Nigeria hope to achieve lasting peace and stability.”

At the end of the summit, participants reaffirmed their commitment to pushing for peace, justice and responsible governance. They warned that Nigeria is running out of time and that decisive action is the only way to prevent total collapse of public safety. (The Sun)