By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE De Norsemen Kclub International, DNKI,, Friday, called on President Bola Tinubu to move fast to rescue abducted schoolchildren and also declare state of emergency on security.

The call was contained in statement signed by the International President, DNKI, Chief Oliver Ityohegh, decried the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, particularly the persistent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers across the country.

Ityohegh condemned the abduction of 46 schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as tragic, heartbreaking and unacceptable, and the beheading of one of the teachers by the criminals, saying it is barbaric, inhumane and a gross violation of human dignity.

He expressed concern over the current security situation described the recent kidnappings of schoolchildren in Oyo, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Kebbi, Kogi States as a threat to the education and Nigeria’s future, saying it the primary responsibility of government to protect the lives and property of Nigerians according to the 1999 Constitution.

He said: “The safety and security of Nigerian citizens, especially our children, must remain the highest priority of government. The alarming frequency of kidnappings and attacks on schools across various states is unacceptable and demands urgent, decisive and coordinated action from all relevant authorities.”

He also said security agencies should intensify efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and their safe return to their families, and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy all available intelligence, technology and operational resources toward securing the release of all abducted victims and ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are identified, apprehended and prosecuted.

However, he welcomed the move for advancing discussions on the establishment of State Police while he noted that the process appears to be progressing too slowly in the face of the urgent security challenges confronting the country, therefore, he appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct all stakeholders involved in the State Police initiative to fast-track the legislative and administrative procedures necessary for its implementation.

“We commend the government’s commitment to the creation of State Police as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal security. However, the process is taking far too long. Nigerians need practical solutions now. Mr. President should direct all parties involved to expedite the process so communities can benefit from a more responsive and localized policing system”, he said,  and according to him, delays in implementing critical security reforms continue to leave millions of Nigerians, particularly children, women and residents of rural communities, vulnerable to kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements.

Meanwhile, the DNKI boss demanded President Tinubu declare a State of Emergency on Security to galvanize a coordinated national response involving all tiers of government, security institutions and relevant stakeholders in the fight against insecurity.

He expressed worry over the handling of banditry and terrorism in the country and said, “It is deeply troubling that many of these criminal elements continue to operate with seeming impunity. Nigerians are asking legitimate questions: Why is it so difficult to track and apprehend these abductors even when videos and other evidence emerge in the public domain? How much longer must citizens live in fear before their safety is fully guaranteed?”

Meanwhile, he (Ityohegh) called on traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations and citizens to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing criminal activities and aiding investigations.

He also reaffirmed the DNKI’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, national unity and the protection of human dignity, while expressing solidarity with families whose loved ones remain in captivity.

“We stand with the parents, families and communities whose children are still being held by kidnappers. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them during this difficult period. Government at all levels must act swiftly and decisively to bring these children home safely and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security system”, he added.