The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has condemned the continued killing of innocent citizens in parts of the country, describing the attacks as senseless and unacceptable, and calling for urgent, long-term measures to address insecurity, particularly in rural communities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Institute said sustainable peace cannot be achieved without transformative rural development and a strengthened security architecture in underserved areas. It warned that vast ungoverned spaces across the country have continued to provide safe havens for terrorists, insurgents and bandits, thereby undermining national stability.
The IPCR stressed the need for effective state territorial control over such areas, noting that reclaiming and securing them is critical to dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in government authority.
While commending the recent establishment of a Military Command Centre as a positive development, the Institute said the step alone would not be sufficient to curb insecurity unless deeper structural challenges are addressed.
According to the IPCR, persistent poverty, unemployment and the lack of access to basic social amenities in many rural communities have continued to fuel violence and make residents vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups.
The Institute also called for stronger collaboration among citizens, security agencies and local communities to improve intelligence gathering, early warning systems and rapid response to emerging threats.
It further advocated sustained dialogue involving communities, security operatives and government authorities as a means of building trust, preventing reprisals and resolving conflicts through peaceful engagement rather than violence.
In addition, the IPCR underscored the need for improved surveillance and tighter border controls to stem the influx of illegal arms and militants into the country.
The statement was signed by the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, who reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting policies and initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security and national cohesion.
