NAWOJ Demands Urgent Action on North Central Insecurity

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, has raised alarm over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s North Central region, particularly the recurrent violent attacks on communities in Benue and Plateau States, with devastating impacts on women and children.

This concern was part of the resolutions reached at the Association’s bi-monthly zonal meeting, presided over by its Vice President, Chizoba Ogbeche, and attended by Zonal Secretary, Juliana Ofoku; Zone D Board of Trustees member, Annah Daniel; Ex-officio, Anne Olurinde, as well as Chairpersons and Secretaries of state chapters.

In a communique issued after extensive deliberations, the women journalists called on the six state governments within the Zone and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration, alongside security agencies, to take decisive steps in addressing the growing security threats.

They urged for proactive policing, timely arrests, and the diligent prosecution of perpetrators to serve as deterrents.

“The protection of lives and property must remain a top priority of government at all levels. The ongoing attacks have left women widowed, children orphaned, and communities displaced. We demand urgent and sustained security interventions,” the communique stated.

NAWOJ also appealed to the Federal Government to strengthen the capacity of security agencies and the military to effectively counter insurgents and other non-state actors, emphasizing the need for more sophisticated weaponry and surveillance technologies in combating violent crimes, especially within the Zone D states.

Commending the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, for her empathy and generous donation towards rehabilitating victims of violent attacks in Plateau and Benue States, the Association urged the respective state governments to ensure that the disbursement of the funds is done transparently and reaches the actual victims and affected communities.

The Association further expressed concern over the disruption of education for children displaced by the attacks, warning that if left unchecked, the situation could exacerbate the country’s already high out-of-school children statistics.

NAWOJ called on the Wife of the President and First Ladies in the affected states to prioritize not only the empowerment of women in the conflict areas but also ensure that the education of displaced children continues without interruption.

In another resolution, NAWOJ Zone D appreciated the coordinated efforts of female journalists, women groups, and civil society organizations in championing the Special Seats Bill for Women in Parliament.

The Association emphasized the need to sustain advocacy and lobbying of legislators until the bill is passed into law.

Furthermore, the Association commended the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for its proactive early warnings on heavy rainfall and flood-prone areas across the country.

However, they called on the Federal Government to adopt a more permanent and holistic approach to flood prevention, including structural interventions such as dams and drainage systems, alongside non-structural measures like public sensitization and strict adherence to early warning advisories.

NAWOJ also appealed to residents of riverine and flood-prone communities to heed relocation advisories and urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of flooding.

The communique was jointly signed by members of the drafting committee: Mwuese Adem, Secretary, Plateau State; Phoebe Atetan, Secretary, Benue State; and Mariam Abdulkadir-Yusuf, Secretary, Kwara State.