Victoria Barnabas, Kaduna
Former Senator representing Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has called for stronger community-based responses to complement government efforts in tackling insecurity across the country.
Sani made the call on Saturday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, stressing that local communities must build resilience and collective resistance against persistent attacks by bandits and terrorists.
According to him, security agencies alone cannot be everywhere at the same time, making community vigilance crucial in addressing the growing security challenges.
He lamented that banditry and terrorism have persisted for more than a decade in several northern states, leading to mass kidnappings, the destruction of villages, and the displacement of millions of people.
The former lawmaker, who is also a playwright, recently released two books titled The Village and the Vigilante and The Councillor and the Perilous Path to Europe: The Sahara Odyssey.
Sani also expressed concern over the increasing number of young Nigerians embarking on dangerous journeys abroad in search of greener pastures.
He said many of those who leave the country through irregular means are often exploited for prostitution, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities, while also enduring harsh and inhumane conditions.
“In Libya, some of them spend months or even years before being pushed across the Mediterranean under life-threatening conditions,” he said.
The former senator urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to believe in building their dreams at home, insisting that success can be achieved within the country with determination and commitment.
“There is no dream for you to realise in Europe. Your dream can be realised here, in your own country,” Sani said.
