UNAN urges Tinubu to overhaul Nigeria’s security framework

The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-N), Abuja Branch, has called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate a total overhaul of the nation’s security architecture in response to the worsening insecurity across the country.

The call was made in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by Dr. Desmond Okocha, Coordinator of the Abuja Branch of UNA-N and Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State.

Dr. Okocha expressed concern over the growing wave of violence, particularly the recent attack in Benue State that claimed the lives of more than 200 people.

“We are greatly saddened by the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 innocent Nigerians, including women, children, and the elderly, were brutally killed. Such inhumane acts represent not only a grave violation of human rights but also a direct assault on our shared humanity and national unity,” the statement said.

The association condemned the attack and extended condolences to the people and government of Benue State, particularly the families of the victims.

“We condemn, in clear terms, this heinous violence and all forms of terrorism and banditry plaguing our nation and extend our sincere condolences to the government and people of Benue State, particularly, the affected families. These recurring attacks erode public trust, weaken the rule of law, and endanger the socio-economic fabric of our society,” it added.

While acknowledging President Tinubu’s condolence visit and his directive to security agencies, the association urged that action must now follow swiftly and decisively.

“We acknowledge and commend President Tinubu for his condolence visit to Benue State and for issuing firm orders to security agencies. However, we urge that these words be swiftly translated into measurable and sustained action. Haphazard responses are no longer sufficient.”

The group also recommended the formation of a joint security task force by the governments of Benue and Nasarawa States, with regular patrols of identified conflict-prone areas.

“Furthermore, we call on the Governments of Benue and Nasarawa States to establish joint security task forces and maintain consistent patrols around identified flashpoints,” the statement continued.

UNA-N further appealed to the Federal Government to move beyond emergency relief efforts by ensuring full compensation for victims and implementing long-term solutions.

“Most importantly, we urge the Federal Government to go beyond providing relief materials for the victims and ensure full compensation for their losses and make deliberate efforts to address the root causes of the crises.

“As an affiliate of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), UNA-NIGERIA, Abuja Branch stands committed to the principles of peace, justice, and human dignity. We appeal to all tiers of government, civil society, and the international community to prioritise the protection of civilians and work together to address the root causes of insecurity—poverty, marginalisation, and impunity.

“Nigeria cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear. It is time to act with urgency, resolve, and compassion,” the statement concluded.