Lately, insecurity in Nigeria has assumed formidable dimensions forcing the country’s political and economic managers and indeed the entire nation to rue the loss of their loved ones, investments and absence of safety in most parts of the country. On 5th June 6, 2022, terrorists struck again, killing over 50 people in Owo, Ondo State in an orchestrated attack in broad day. This is considered the deadliest terror attack in Nigeria since terrorists attacked a train in Kaduna in March 2022. The act once gains beamed the tweaking fragile architecture of our security and safety outfit. The present insecurity situation cuts across towns villages that there is hardly anywhere to run for cover. Sadly, Nigeria’s international reputation already at its nadir has become even more odious. That such bestial behaviour occurred in broad daylight is saddening; no wonder it has earned the country notoriety as the world’s third most terrorised country. This massacre has deeply exposed our vulnerability.
Agonisingly, when we see security breaches, we immediately start asking who is to be blamed. As a country, we are so used to pattern of analysing tragedies; first with “media outburst to “public outburst”, then “thoughts and prayers” and then eventually “No one actually does anything” then finally “back to normal”. This is a simple reflection of our attitude to any incidence related to safety or insecurity. It is mind boggling to know that while Nigerians are continually being eaten up by gunshots from these terrorists, most government officers and public office holders are busy canvassing for their gains ahead of the 2023 general elections. It is sad that our religious centres and public places have become slaughter houses where extremists freely go and gruesomely murder people unabated.
As a safety brand, Safety Consultants and Solutions Provider (SCSP) we are saddened by this dastardly act. As such our stand for public safety in this trying time remains resolute. As a matter of urgency, we immediately propose the installation of close circuit camera television (CCTV) in strategic public locations to aid in boosting technological surveillance and prompt action. The government should invest in technology for aerial surveillance and use of drones for security watch and safety analysis will help in being proactive. As such, we propose at least a helicopter for air surveillance for each state of the federation. More so, we advocate for local policing units or outposts that are well trained and fully equipped with amours to improve local ties and respond speedily to early warnings and distress calls. We also charge the federal government to increase funding, welfare and salary of security agents with prompt payment of their entitlements as a strong boost for curbing social problems and preventing people to illegality. Concrete and intense disarmament of armed groups including ethnic militias and extremist in hot zone areas as security agents are charged to closely watch state and national borders to curb inflow of extremists and firearms. We must also teach and train Nigerians to be alert and proactive with basic security tips as we must be courageously ready and engage in more actions. It is time we start placing value on lives and truly account for such.
Safety Consultants and Solutions Provider (SCSP) is keen on public safety and promotion of safety measures at strategic places to uphold safety of lives and properties. Unlike safety is promoted and upheld, our voices will continually be heard across shores so that lives matter and public protection and security is tightened.
