We must fight terrorism before it consumes us all

We must fight terrorism together, with methods that do not compromise the nation’s unity.

The President should engage with all who can help us achieve a united and terrorism-free society. This may include: empowering young people through education, jobs and training, and engaging women and all of civil society in the fight against terrorism.

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Terrorists remain always determined to find a weakness in our defence to strike out their evil plans. To stay ahead of the terrorists, we must amend our weakness and stay focused at all the time.

Very often the context within which extremism grows is to some extent linked to failures in development and weaknesses in our institutions and the representatives that represent us.  Desperation and frustration then may lead people, young people in particular, to lose confidence in state institutions because they have not delivered.

The youths are not the greatest threat to Nigeria but it’s greatest hope. Despite the fact that youth often become the “target” for radicalization by violent extremist groups, many young people display “extraordinary resilience” and are addressing violent extremism in a broad range of settings.

The government need to recognize their unique role and further engage them as meaningful partners and leaders. The government must not fail our future. We must do everything possible within our purview to curtail terrorism and all social vices affecting the peace of our nation.

Peace is the absolute factor that will bring development and prosperous nation. The security of our nation is our collective responsibility.

Mercy Hassan Bwayili, Department of Mass Communication University of Maiduguri