The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, Zone D, has appealed to the Federal Government to adequately equip security agencies with tools and surveillance technology to effectively counter insurgency and rising insecurity in the country.
The association made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its bi-monthly zonal virtual meeting, on Tuesday.
NAWOJIt stressed that well-equipped security forces were critical in tackling recurring attacks, especially in the North Central region.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the communiqué was jointly signed by members of the Communiqué Drafting Committee: Mwuese Adem, Secretary, Plateau State, Phoebe Atetan, Secretary, Benue State, and Mariam Abdulkadir-Yusuf, Secretary, Kwara State.
The meeting was presided over by the NAWOJ Vice President for Zone D, Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, and attended by the Zonal Secretary, Juliana Ofoku; and Zone D Board of Trustees representative, Annah Daniel.
Also in attendance were the Zone D Ex-officio member, Anne Olurinde, along with Chairpersons and Secretaries of the state chapters within the zone.
NAWOJ Zone D reiterated the need for proactive measures, stressing the urgency of equipping security operatives to address recurring attacks, especially in Benue and Plateau States, which continued to have devastating consequences on women and children.
The association called on the six state governments in the zone and the FCT administration, along with security agencies, to urgently tackle the prevailing threats through timely arrests and the prosecution of perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.
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It noted that safeguarding lives and property must remain a top priority for governments at all levels.
NAWOJ Zone D also commended the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her show of empathy and financial support for victims of violent attacks in Plateau and Benue States.
It urged state governments to ensure the transparent and effective disbursement of the funds to the actual victims and affected communities.
The group expressed concern over the disruption of education for children displaced by the violence and urged efforts to prevent school dropouts.
It called on the First Lady and wives of governors in affected states to empower women and ensure that displaced children returned to school.
Similarly, NAWOJ appreciated female journalists, women’s groups, and civil society organisations for their coordinated advocacy in support of the “Special Seats for Women in Parliament” Bill.
The association emphasised the need to sustain momentum and continue lobbying legislators until the bill was passed into law.
The association also commended the Nigerian Meteorological Agency for issuing early warnings on flooding and identifying high-risk areas across the country.
It urged the Federal Government to seek a permanent solution to flood prevention through both structural dams, drainage systems and non-structural measures, including adherence to early warning signs.
Finally, NAWOJ Zone D appealed to residents in riverine and flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds and called on the National Emergency Management Agency to intensify public awareness campaigns on flood risks.
