Insecurity is a national issue. The right to life of every Nigerian must be safeguarded. Essentially, the responsibility of any functioning government is to ensure that no person is intentionally deprived of his life. I will tell you why. In EZE v. STATE (2018) LPELR-44967(SC), the Apex Court held that the life of every citizen of the country is invaluable and should be protected at all cost. As such, I believe one of the heritages of true democracy is the enforcement of rights where there is no cause for its breach except for justifiable reasons as laid down in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Notwithstanding, efforts of elective heads will hold no water if they fail to protect the life of the masses and provide a habitable province for all. This deficiency may put the good intentions of the reigning administration in shambles if not efficiently handled. It is irrelevant how organized and wilful governance is being administered if measures are not put in place to combat this dysfunction.
The law is dynamic in nature and subject to amendment as contained in the supreme law of the land. However, it is expected that in as much as there are established governing rules, they must strictly be adhered to because it will be unjust for persons to be malnourished of their respective rights.
Abduction has been a recurring evil act in almost every part of the country. It has from time constituted itself as a challenge that must be dealt with timely. The presence of this unconstitutional situation resonates perturbations, irregular public feeling, amongst other defects in any society. Furthermore, it dampens the morale and atmosphere of any clime.
Recently, a series of this unlawful activity occurred in the heart of Nigeria, Abuja, particularly in Bwari Area Council. Several civilians were illegally taken from their homes to unknown locations, infringing their natural rights.
To say the least, these goings-on have left some reasonable degrees of shock in the minds of residents of the neighbourhood. In the same vein, it has posed a threat to the lives of other occupants in neighbouring areas and the country at large.
A lot of these have been happening in various regions of the Federal Capital Territory. Not too long ago, another strike occurred in Dutse Baupma. According to Isah, a resident of the area, on one unfortunate day, unknown gunmen who numbered about 30 stormed Zone C, Road 5 of the community, taking away four persons. Fear still lingers that these nonentities may return to cause more mayhem.
Fortunately, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in collaboration with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh have played a pivotal role in ensuring that these perpetrators are found and put in shackles. Following the efforts relayed by the president and his cohorts, personnel of the Armed Forces were deployed to oversee the security affairs in the axis. Also, a daily routine of navigating the nook and cranny of these environs is employed by the men in uniform.
In a community where it is established that insecurity thrives, this occurrence can take away fruitful and beneficial contributions from all. This is so because it renders business activities redundant and stagnates financial development.
From the above instance, it is apparent that not only is having a sane environment an important factor in facilitating growth and economic stability, it also encourages foreigners and prospective visitors to have a sense of belief and belonging that their stay in the locality will be safe and eventful.
Personally, I do not feel there is a justifiable reason for getting involved in this prohibited act. Some Nigerians contend that the leaders are enablers of people engaging in it because they fail to provide adequate social amenity amongst other enlightening avenues that need be in place. However, I advise that the orientation of an average man should be, ‘what can I do for myself and the country rather than what she can do for me’. Reiterating this position, I strongly believe that ‘we create our own opportunities.’
For this reason, the detainment of another without his or her approval is not only a vexatious act that teases the presence of a conformed law into a black hole but also a disease that eats the core values of the society. It can be regarded as a cruel deed done against the norms and backdrop of the binding rules, regulations and standards established by the body burdened with the powers to do so.
Nevertheless, security means peace and the safeguarding of a humane society is ‘sine qua non’. The enablement of a tranquil environment is a duty of everyone as all hands must be on deck. It must be ensured that any suspicious action is reported to the appropriate authorities for professional intervention and investigations be carried out in order to promote law and orderliness.
God bless Nigeria!
Mohammed Esq can be reached via [email protected]
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