Southern Solidarity Alliance Demands Urgent Action Amidst Unprecedented Insecurity Crisis in Southern Nigeria.
By Raymond Enoch
The Southern Solidarity Alliance (SSA) has issued a strong warning about the escalating insecurity in Southern Nigeria, condemning the unrelenting violence and the failure of authorities to curb the bloodshed.
In a press statement released by the group and signed by
Ndubuisi Okafor
National Coordinator
and Ena Ighalo
Chairman, Media Committee the SSA highlighted several shocking incidents of terror, including the brutal murders of over 16 villagers in Ebonyi State, as well as widespread violence in Imo State, particularly Orsu, where criminals have overrun the region. The release alluded to a grim picture of a region besieged by violence, with reports of kidnappings, mutilations, and senseless killings circulating on social media.
In one particularly harrowing video, a victim’s head was severed, and in another, a young man was brutally executed by a gang posing as security operatives. These appalling acts have left communities in constant fear for their safety. The SSA is calling for urgent intervention from both the federal government and state governors, urging them to tackle the issue head-on with modern concrete, technology-driven solutions. They demand the adoption of AI, drones, and other advanced security measures, such as those successfully implemented in Enugu State. The alliance also stresses the need for an improved inter-agency collaboration, with a direct reporting line to the President, to enhance intelligence-gathering and ensure timely action against perpetrators.
In addition, the SSA calls for a reinvention of law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law over vigilante justice. They also push for the swift establishment of state police forces to combat crime at the grassroots level, along with an urgent constitutional amendment to allow for local policing systems. “We demand a working democracy, where social justice prevails and citizens are protected from the brutality of those in charge,” said Ndubuisi Okafor, National Coordinator of SSA. The alliance also emphasizes the need for job creation and empowerment programs for youth to prevent them from falling prey to criminal elements.
In light of the escalating violence, the SSA calls for a Southern Security Summit, urging the region’s governors to take the lead in strategizing and collaborating to address the growing insecurity. The alliance is also urging President Ahmed Tinubu and Southern governors to prioritize the safety of lives and property to ensure peace, stability, and development in Southern Nigeria. As the situation grows more dire, the Southern Solidarity Alliance’s rallying cry is clear: It’s time for decisive action to end the suffering and restore peace to Southern Nigeria.
