The Executive Director of Peace and Unity Media Advocacy, Salihu Othman Isah, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security challenges in the country, saying insecurity now threatens national unity, economic growth, and social cohesion.
This is contained in a statement personally signed by the PUMA the Boss, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Saturday.
According to statement, Isah who made the remark at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, lamented that the rise in kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes, and attacks on critical infrastructure is eroding public trust and discouraging development.
“Every community living in fear is a community losing hope. Every attack on schools, roads, and farms is an attack on Nigeria’s future. We cannot preach peace and unity when families are not safe in their homes,” he said.
He noted that PUMA remains committed to using media, advocacy, and community dialogue to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that sustainable peace depends solely on government action.
Isah urged all the three tiers of government to invest in intelligence-led policing, modern surveillance technology, and youth empowerment. He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and citizens to reject violence and hate speech.
“Security is not the job of government alone. It is the duty of all of us. As media advocates, our role is to amplify truth, promote unity, and hold leaders accountable. Only then can Nigeria become the peaceful nation we all desire,” he noted.
The Media expert said that the security situation across parts of Nigeria remains a painful reality that touches every home, every business, and every community. Kidnapping, banditry, communal violence, and attacks on schools and infrastructure are not just security issues — they are direct threats to our unity as a nation.
“I speak today with deep concern and with hope. Concern because we see the daily impact: children kept out of school, farmers abandoning land, families displaced, and trust breaking down between communities. Hope because Nigeria has always overcome its darkest moments when we stand together.
He reaffirmed the commitment of PUMA to continue to use media campaigns, town-hall dialogues, and youth advocacy to counter hate speech with a view to promoting understanding, peaceful coexistence and unity in the country.
“Nigeria’s strength is her people. With unity of purpose, we can defeat fear and build a nation where every child sleeps safe and every Nigerian has hope.
“PUMA remains committed to the cause of peace. We will keep advocating, keep sensitizing, and keep reminding us all that a united Nigeria is a stronger Nigeria,” he added.
