Societal Concerns Initiative Reiterates Commitment To Campaign Against Brutality Of Security Personnel

…As All Stars, Security Agencies, Others, Join Movement

…It is time to focus on nation building and reject the destructive path of violence— Amb. Oluwapelumi

In a fervent call to action against the killing of security operatives in the country, the Societal Concerns Initiative on Monday, reiterated its commitment to campaign on fight against the killing of security personnel in Nigeria.

The campaign walk with the theme “Protect Our Protectors, Preserving Our Unity” which aimed at raising awareness and rallying support against police brutality, underscores the need to protect the lives of individuals, especially those who risk their lives to ensure the safety and security of the nation.

The president of the initiative, Ambassador Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi, disclosed this in a press conference on Monday, April 22.

Amb. Oluwapelumi while addressing newsmen, hinted on why members of the society should start focusing attention on nation building and reject the destructive path of violence.

She said, “This is a fervent call to action and I emphatically say that no one has the right to unlawfully take the life of another, especially those who serve to protect the nation.

“It is time to focus on nation building and reject the destructive path of violence. We cannot expect progress when we perpetrate violence against our own.

“Nigeria’s future depends on our collective commitment to unity and peace.”

The campain sheduled event which will commence on Wednesday April 24, 2024, will span the metropolitan city of Lagos with an endurance walk from Ikeja under bridge to the governor’s office, Alausa at 8:00am.

Amb. Oluwapelumi added “We are here to launch the “Societal Concerns Endurance Walk” campaign, aimed at raising awareness and rallying support to end the illegal killing of our security personnel.

READ RELATED STORY: Breaking: Societal Concerns Initiative Flags Off Endurance Walk Against Killing Of Security Personnel

“The theme of the campaign “Protect Our Protectors, Preserving Our Unity ” underscores the imperative of safeguarding those who risk their lives to ensure the safety and security of the nation.

“The campain will span the metropolitan city of Lagos State, with the scheduled events taking place from April 24, 2024.

“Stakeholders, patriotic citizens, and concerned individuals are urged to join the movement and participate in the upcoming endurance walk.”

In combating the menace, Amb. Oluwapelumi, while commending the effort of the security operatives, said there is a need for cooperation between government agencies, communities and international partners in putting an end to the senseless killing of the security operatives.

She said, “This concern requires collective action, including cooperation between government agencies, communities, and international partners, to prevent further loss of life and safeguard peace and security.

“The targeted killing of security personnel is seen as an attack on the State itself, challenging its authority and stability. It sends a message of fear and intimidation, disrupting the trust between citizens and law enforcement agencies. These acts of violence create a ripple effect, impacting morale within security forces and potentially leading to a decrease in recruitment and retention rates”, Oluwapelumi said.

The president of the initiative also stated that the Societal Concerns National Security Summit will be announced later days.

Reminiscing on the recent killing of soldiers in Delta State, among other States, Director General of the Endurance Walk Initiative, who currently sponsor the initiative, Bishop Dr. Joseph Ighalo Edoro, urged stakeholders as well as concerned citizens to join the movement, geared toward the defence of the security personnel and upholding the value of peace, unity and respect for human life.

According to him, this movement will create synergy between the people; the military, the police and other arms of government, vested with the responsibility of protecting lives of the citizens.

He said, “The hour has come, we cannot continue to eat our own. The country spend so much money in training the security officers.

“The killing of our security operatives is unacceptable.”

Nigerians are urged to join the movement as the Societal Concerns Initiative embarks on critical journey that is geared towards a safer and more harmonious Nigeria.