Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Friday called on Nigerians to unite against insecurity, saying defeating terrorism and other criminal activities requires collective action by citizens, security agencies and government at all levels.
This is just as the Cocoa and Plantain Farmers Association of Nigeria (CPFAN) has called on governments at all levels to deploy forest guards to farming communities, saying the security of farmers is critical to achieving food security in the country.
General Abdulsalami, in a statement marking his 84th birthday, expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, stressing that every Nigerian has a role to play in restoring peace and stability.
Stating that the recent death of Defence Spokesperson, Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd.) and many other victims of insecurity underscored the urgent need for collective efforts to tackle the challenge, Abubakar said he understood the sacrifices required to defend the nation.
He acknowledged that many countries are facing economic and security challenges but urged Nigerians to remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at maintaining law and order.
“It is clear that the success of attaining this objective must be inclusive. The armed forces and all other security agencies have been very strong in the fight against terrorism. But this is not their fight alone. Every citizen has a stake, and it is my plea that Nigerians unite to fight against terror,” he said.
Abdulsalami blamed the politicisation of security issues for worsening the crisis, warning that divisive narratives and selfish interests have weakened efforts to address insecurity.
“Over the years, politicisation of security matters has worsened the situation, and this has brought us to where we are today. Let us join forces with government and security agencies at all levels to defeat these evil ones, who do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political party, communal life or other forms of identity,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media, saying such actions have helped terrorists and criminal groups to thrive.
“Propaganda for political and other selfish gains is also giving oxygen to terrorist groups, even as the use of fake news on social media to propagate false narratives has served to encourage terrorists and other criminal groups. The success of one terrorist group encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis,” he said.
The former leader urged Nigerians to set aside ethnic, religious and political differences and unite against those responsible for violence and instability, noting that criminals do not discriminate based on identity.
He also encouraged members of the armed forces and other security agencies to remain steadfast in carrying out their duties despite prevailing challenges and called on authorities to sustain efforts aimed at ending insecurity and preventing further loss of lives.
Reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria’s unity, Abdulsalami said he still dreams of a peaceful and prosperous nation that future generations can inherit. He urged citizens to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, while offering prayers for security personnel and other victims who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Meanwhile, at a collaboration programme between CPFAN and Green World Natural Solutions aimed at educating farmers on the use of innovative agricultural products and technologies, Southeast Vice President of CPFAN, Samuel Dickson, who represented the National President, Ayodele Ojo, expressed concern over the growing insecurity confronting farmers across Nigeria.
According to him, many farmers are increasingly abandoning their farms due to fear of attacks by criminals operating within forested areas.
“That’s a very serious issue on the front burner right now. You can see many farmers are afraid to go to their farms as a result of banditry and the insecurity going on. Everyone is afraid to embark on or attend to their farms,” Dickson said.
He stressed that food security cannot be achieved unless farmers are adequately protected and able to cultivate their farms without fear.
Dickson specifically urged government to deploy forest guards into forests where farmers operate rather than stationing them on highways and major roads.
“We are calling on government to do everything possible to make sure that our farms are duly secured. They should provide forest guards. Not standing on the roads; they should be inside the forests, making sure that the forests are safe for the farmers,” he said.
The farmers’ leader noted that incidents of farm invasions, crop destruction, theft of farm produce, kidnapping and other criminal activities have become major threats to agricultural productivity and investment.
According to him, many farmers are unable to expand cultivation due to insecurity, thereby threatening the nation’s food sufficiency drive.
“Government should provide every necessary means to ensure that once a farmer goes to his farm, he is secured and can still come out of the farm without any ugly incident or situation,” he added.
CPFAN further appealed to the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security presence in farming communities, establish dedicated agricultural security initiatives, improve rural surveillance systems and enhance rapid response mechanisms to security incidents affecting farmers.
The association maintained that protecting farmers and agricultural investments remains essential for sustainable food production and national economic growth.
Beyond security concerns, Dickson identified inadequate access to farm inputs and finance as additional challenges facing farmers.
“The challenges of farmers are too numerous. One, every farmer needs inputs. We are asking for inputs from the federal government or from the state government. The issue of finance is an impediment. Some have the land, but they don’t have the finance. Some have the finance, but they don’t have the land,” he said.
Also speaking, the Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Olaleye Akinola, highlighted various interventions by the state government to support farmers.
According to him, about 2,500 farmers will benefit from fertiliser distribution facilitated through a partnership between the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government, with each farmer receiving four bags of fertiliser.
Written with reports from Daily Trust