…TIB plans June 12 nationwide action
Growing public frustration over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship is fueling a wave of civic activism, as hundreds of youths marched to the National Assembly in Abuja, while the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement mobilises for a nationwide protest scheduled for June 12.
The Abuja protest, organised under the banner: ‘Nigerians Unite Against Terror’, saw demonstrators march from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the National Assembly, demanding urgent government action to address escalating insecurity, kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks across the country.
Carrying placards and chanting patriotic songs, the protesters lamented the increasing loss of lives, growing fear on major highways, and the devastating impact of insecurity on communities and economic activities.
Addressing newsmen at the National Assembly gate, the convener of the rally, Isah Abubakar, said insecurity had become a national emergency that transcends political, ethnic, and religious differences.
“There are major highways in this country where, once it is 5:00 p.m., nobody dares to travel. The victims are Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or tribe. This is a collective tragedy affecting us all”, he said.
Abubakar stressed that the primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of citizens, insisting that Nigerians have a constitutional right to demand accountability from those entrusted with protecting lives and property.
Co-convener Austin Okhai urged retired military and security chiefs to support efforts aimed at addressing the crisis, warning that deteriorating security conditions could undermine democratic participation and governance.
He also called on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight responsibilities by demanding accountability for security spending and evaluating the performance of security agencies.
The protest ended peacefully after representatives of the 10th National Assembly received a petition from the demonstrators and pledged to present their demands to the leadership of both chambers.
The development comes days before a planned nationwide protest by the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
In a public notice, TIB called on Nigerians to participate in a peaceful nationwide demonstration against worsening insecurity, hunger, unemployment, alleged state repression, and what it described as increasing threats to democratic freedoms. According to the Movement, recent incidents of kidnappings and violent crimes, including the reported abduction of 46 teachers and pupils in Oyo State and similar incidents in Kwara, Borno, and Ekiti states, highlight the urgent need for stronger protection of lives and communities.
The group also raised concerns over rising inflation, soaring food prices, unemployment, and declining purchasing power, arguing that many Nigerians are struggling to cope with worsening economic conditions.
Beyond economic and security concerns,
TIB said the June 12 mobilisation would focus on the protection of constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, press freedom, and the right to peaceful assembly.
“Democracy is meaningless when citizens live in fear, poverty, and uncertainty,” the movement stated, describing the planned action as an opportunity for Nigerians to demand greater accountability from government at all levels.
