Rural insecurity remains a growing concern as Youth Arise urges the Federal Government to protect vulnerable communities from attacks

The Youth Arise Movement has called on the Federal Government to urgently direct security agencies to develop and implement comprehensive measures aimed at protecting rural communities from bandits, kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal groups operating across the country.

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The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by the group’s Convener, Comrade Ademola Babatunde, who expressed concern over what he described as the worsening security situation in Nigeria.

Babatunde urged President Bola Tinubu and relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to safeguard lives and property, particularly in rural areas that continue to experience repeated attacks.

“For over fifteen years, Nigerians have endured relentless attacks from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.

Thousands have been killed, kidnapped, displaced, and subjected to unimaginable suffering. Communities have been destroyed, businesses crippled, and places of worship and learning turned into targets of violence,” the statement said.

The group identified Rural Insecurity as one of the country’s most pressing challenges, arguing that many remote communities remain vulnerable because of inadequate security presence and limited protection mechanisms.

According to Babatunde, the Federal Government should convene key security stakeholders, including the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force, to develop coordinated responses to the crisis.

He also expressed concern over growing attacks on schools, teachers and students, describing the trend as a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s future.

“Such attacks are not only assaults on innocent citizens but direct attacks on Nigeria’s future. Any threat to our children and educational institutions is a threat to national development and collective progress,” he said.

The group called on federal, state and local governments to ensure that funds allocated for security and regional development are transparently utilised to protect communities, educational institutions, farms and other critical infrastructure.

Babatunde stressed that the protection of citizens must remain the foremost responsibility of government and advocated stronger community-based security initiatives, improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration between security agencies and local residents

“The security of human lives must remain the primary responsibility of government,” he stated.

The Youth Arise Movement further warned that persistent Rural Insecurity could undermine democratic governance and national development if left unchecked.

“A nation under constant siege cannot fully enjoy the benefits of democracy and development,” the statement noted, urging the President, members of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly to place national security above political interests.

The group described the security challenge as a national emergency requiring unity, determination and collective action from all stakeholders.

Its call comes amid renewed concerns over attacks on rural communities, including the recent assault on Government Day Secondary School in Kautikari Village, Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State.

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the community on Saturday, killing one resident and setting ablaze a block containing classrooms and a staff office at the school.

The latest incident has renewed fears over the continued vulnerability of rural educational institutions, particularly in communities already affected by years of insurgent violence.

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The Youth Arise Movement said it would continue to advocate policies and initiatives that promote the safety, dignity and prosperity of all Nigerians while urging authorities to act before the security situation deteriorates further.