Ebonyi Youths Launch Anti-Terrorism, Banditry, Sundry Crimes Campaign
Alex Odeh, Pan Afric Reporters
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, has declared zero tolerance for terrorism, banditry, drug abuse and all forms of criminality, urging young people across the state and the country to unite in safeguarding peace, security and national cohesion.
The declaration came during a massive anti-terrorism road walk and public sensitisation campaign led by the State Chairman of NYCN, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Addressing participants at the event, Ochishi said the campaign was part of the council’s civic responsibility as the apex youth body in Nigeria to mobilise young people against insecurity and other social vices threatening national development.
He stressed that sustainable economic growth, political stability and business development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security.
“What the youth of Nigeria under the umbrella of the National Youth Council are saying today is no to terrorism, no to banditry, no to drug abuse, no to social violence and no to every action capable of causing crisis in our communities, our state and the country,” he declared.
According to him, security should not be left for government alone, insisting that every citizen has a responsibility to report suspicious movements and activities capable of undermining public safety.
He commended the presence of security agencies at the rally, describing it as a demonstration of the strong partnership between the council and security institutions in promoting peace and protecting lives and property.
“We went round peacefully and returned safely without any incident. That shows what can be achieved when citizens and security agencies work together. Security is everybody’s business,” Ochishi said.
The NYCN chairman also called on youths to resist every attempt by politicians, community leaders or any individual to recruit them as agents of violence, warning that those used to perpetrate unrest often bear the consequences long after those who instigated them have walked away.
Speaking with journalists after the rally, Ochishi explained that the sensitisation campaign was necessitated by the rising cases of communal conflicts, terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity across the country.
He noted that the council deliberately partnered with various youth organisations and security agencies to send a unified message against violence, especially as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of future elections.
“You cannot have economic development or political stability where there is insecurity. Peace remains the foundation upon which every meaningful development is built. That is why every Nigerian, especially the youth, must see security as a collective responsibility,” he stated.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for their efforts in strengthening security architecture, while urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
Ochishi further disclosed that the NYCN remains committed to youth empowerment through job placement advocacy, skills development and linking unemployed youths with employment and training opportunities.
According to him, unemployed graduates and young people seeking empowerment opportunities are encouraged to register with the council’s office to enable the organisation connect them with relevant government agencies and intervention programmes.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the youth wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Stephen Nwodom described Governor Francis Nwifuru as “the builder of infrastructure and the builder of human beings,” commending his administration for creating an enabling environment for youth development and peaceful coexistence.
Nwodom also praised the leadership of Comrade Douglas Ochishi for championing initiatives that promote peace and unity among young people, assuring that Christian youths would continue to support programmes that advance national development.
Similarly, the Coordinator of Ohamadike Global Youth Network, Evangelist Ugochukwu Iteshi, applauded the NYCN leadership for organising what he described as a timely and impactful campaign.
He urged Nigerian youths to reject terrorism, drug abuse and every form of criminality, maintaining that nation-building begins with responsible and disciplined young people.
Speaking on behalf of women at the event, Kelly Agom commended participants for turning out in large numbers to support the anti-crime campaign.
She called for greater inclusion of women in leadership and peace-building initiatives, stressing that women have a vital role to play in combating insecurity and promoting sustainable development.
The rally attracted representatives of security agencies, youth organisations, civil society groups, women associations, faith-based organisations and hundreds of youths who marched through major streets of Abakaliki carrying placards with inscriptions condemning terrorism, banditry, drug abuse and other social vices while advocating peace, unity and security across Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
