Insecurity in Nigeria
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State emphasized that poverty, unemployment, and lack of education are the primary drivers of insecurity in the Northwestern region of Nigeria. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Sani highlighted the distinct nature of the security challenges faced in the North-West, particularly in comparison to the insurgency prevalent in the North-East.
According to Sani, the prevalent crisis of banditry and kidnapping in the North-West is fundamentally rooted in economic disparities. He pointed out that many bandits resort to kidnapping innocent individuals for ransom, often resulting in tragic outcomes if the demands are not met. The governor underscored the interconnectedness of poverty, unemployment, hopelessness, and limited access to education, particularly prevalent in the Northwestern part of the country, as key factors driving these criminal activities.
Citing statistics from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) report, Sani highlighted the alarming percentage of individuals living below the poverty line in the North-West, estimated at 80 to 90%. Additionally, he noted that a significant portion of out-of-school children in Nigeria hail from the North-West region, further exacerbating the socio-economic challenges faced by the populace.
In addressing the security crisis, Sani emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach that goes beyond merely apprehending and pardoning criminals. While acknowledging the role of non-kinetic measures, such as amnesty programs for repentant bandits, he stressed that addressing the underlying conditions of poverty and unemployment is paramount to achieving sustainable peace and stability in the region.
The governor highlighted the need for concerted efforts to uplift the socio-economic status of the people, including initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities, improving access to education, and alleviating poverty. By addressing these root causes of insecurity, Sani believes that lasting solutions can be achieved, ultimately fostering development and prosperity in the North-Western region of Nigeria.
Insecurity in Nigeria, Governor Uba Sani reiterated that combating insecurity requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of the crisis. By tackling poverty, unemployment, and lack of education, policymakers can effectively mitigate the drivers of insecurity and pave the way for sustainable peace and development in the North-West.
Source Poverty, unemployment responsible for insecurity in North-West — Uba Sani published in the Vanguard