By Peter Oyedele, Abuja

The Convener of the Youth Arise Movement, Babatunde Abidemi Ademola, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive steps to address the worsening insecurity across the country.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Ademola warned that persistent attacks by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s unity, stability and survival.

He lamented that for more than 15 years, Nigerians have endured killings, kidnappings, rape, displacement and the destruction of livelihoods, with communities, businesses, schools and places of worship repeatedly targeted.

According to him, insecurity has evolved into a national crisis affecting citizens across all social and economic classes.

“There is hardly any Nigerian today who is not directly or indirectly affected by the activities of terrorists, bandits and criminal gangs. The rich, the middle class and the poor are all feeling the impact of these atrocities,” he said.

Ademola described recent attacks on schools, teachers and pupils as an assault on the country’s future, stressing that insecurity should no longer be viewed through ethnic, religious or regional lenses.

“The attacks on our schools and children are attacks on the future of our nation. These enemies are no longer sectional enemies; they have become common enemies of all Nigerians,” he stated.

The youth leader urged President Tinubu and members of his cabinet to place the protection of lives and property above political considerations, noting that safeguarding national security and territorial integrity remains the primary responsibility of government.

He warned that democratic governance and economic development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

“It is only in a peaceful environment that discussions about elections, governance and development can flourish. If insecurity continues unchecked, the question becomes: who will be left to govern?” he asked.

Ademola also expressed concern over the vulnerability of rural communities, which he said often lack adequate security presence despite being frequent targets of attacks.

To address the challenge, he called on the Federal Government to convene a high-level security meeting involving the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to strengthen community-based security measures.

He further advocated increased support for rural communities through security training, improved surveillance systems and the mobilisation of local volunteers to help safeguard communities and Nigeria’s borders.

The Youth Arise Movement also urged state governments and regional development commissions to devote more resources to strengthening security infrastructure, protecting schools and ensuring the safety of residents in vulnerable areas.

Ademola called for greater cooperation between government, security agencies and citizens in tackling insecurity, stressing that protecting lives and preserving national unity should be a collective responsibility.

He expressed optimism that the Tinubu administration would rise to the challenge and implement measures capable of restoring public confidence and ensuring lasting peace across the country.

“Our prayer is that the protection of human lives, dignity and national sovereignty will continue to guide the actions of government at all levels as Nigerians unite to defend the nation and secure a better future for generations to come,” he said.