The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has warned that the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in the North-Central and North-West regions could develop into a wider national security crisis if urgent steps are not taken.
The party gave the warning in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, against the backdrop of the continued captivity of people abducted by bandits in Dekara community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The PRP accused the government of failing to adequately protect citizens from attacks and abductions, saying the protection of lives and property remained one of its primary responsibilities.
The party described the government’s failure to protect citizens from such attacks as worrying and unacceptable, saying it deserved widespread condemnation.
“We believe the security situation in the North Central and North West requires urgent attention, as allowing the attacks to continue could have serious consequences for the country,” the party said.
“If left unaddressed, these issues may escalate into catastrophic and disastrous breaches of national security,” the party warned.
The PRP called on the government to hold security personnel accountable where there had been failures and review its policies to improve the welfare and security of Nigerians.
It also urged the authorities to intensify efforts to restore peace and protect communities affected by banditry and kidnapping.
The party further condemned the deaths of 37 miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
It called for an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible faces prosecution.
“We demand the immediate establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to determine the causes of this unfortunate incident and call for the prosecution of anyone found culpable,” Ishaq said.
The PRP said the investigation should provide answers on what led to the deaths and ensure accountability for those found responsible.
Banditry, kidnapping could trigger national security crisis – PRP warns