It doesn't seem like discussions about insecurity are at the top of the agenda in our beautiful nation. We have other matters to attend to you may say and are no longer in need of declaring a state of emergency, but are we any safer in our Fatherland?

Is it possible for us to reach our destination in peace and safety while traveling with our eyes closed? Perhaps not, as our streets continue to be rituals and kidnapping hideouts. There are still a lot of deaths occurring in our communities and on our streets.

A great number of people continue to fall prey to these vicious individuals who abduct, demand ransom, and then sacrifice their victims' blood for their own pleasure and fancy. Is there anything that might be even more crucial than security?

In a state when lives and property are not safe, what more can be done? Of course, nothing. This means that any well-meaning government should place a high premium on security.

We are not yet safe. The security of life and property is still a matter taken with levity in our dear land. So many will argue for these ruthless killers and will blame their actions on the negligence of the government.

How many of these politicians have fallen victims of these kidnappers and killers? Maybe not significantly. How many of these government officials have had their children displaced from their schools or their family members sent away from their homes?

It is the case of the masses fighting the government in words, yet their actions of revolt are directed at their fellow citizens who suffer the same fate at the hands of the government. 

 

In a recent video posted, a certain priest of Sokoto Diocese, Fr. Mikah Sulaiman, has just been released from the kidnappers' den after days of mental and physical torture.

Some others still suffer grievously at the hands of these evil men, and all these happen in a land where there is a lawfully constituted government.

The level of insecurity in the land is not restricted to cases of kidnapping, the hostility in the communities as a result of poverty and hunger puts great risk on the lives and properties of citizens. Houses and shops are burgled, persons engage in demeaning acts to fend and make ends meets.

It is unfortunately clear that our lives and properties are not taken care of or seen as a priority by the government, which claims to be there for the good of the masses.

The security we require is a holistic one, not simply one that concentrates only on the policing of the state. Yes, this is ultimate, yet the provision of basic amenities and infrastructure equally adds to the security of lives and properties in the state. 

Security refers to the measures taken to protect and safeguard individuals, communities, organizations, and nations from harm, threats, or danger. It encompasses various aspects, including:

1. Physical Security: Protecting people, property, and assets from physical harm or damage.

2. Cybersecurity: Protecting digital information, systems, and networks from unauthorized access, hacking, or cyber threats.

3. Personal Security: Protecting individuals from harm, harassment, or exploitation.

4. National Security: Protecting a nation's sovereignty, borders, and interests from external threats or attacks.

5. Data Security: Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, or breaches.

6. Emotional Security: Feeling safe and secure in one's relationships, environment, and emotional well-being.

7. Financial Security: Having a stable financial situation, free from debt or financial stress.

8. Food Security: Having access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet dietary needs.

9. Health Security: Having access to healthcare, medical treatment, and a safe environment to maintain physical and mental well-being.

 

Security is essential for creating a safe and stable environment, where individuals and communities can thrive and feel protected from harm.

Security is important for several reasons: Protection from harm, Prevention of financial loss, Emotional well-being, Stability and continuity, Protection of assets, Compliance with regulations, Reputation and trust, Business growth, National interests, Human rights etc.

 

In summary, security is important because it protects individuals, communities, organizations, and nations from harm, loss, and instability, enabling them to thrive and grow.

As much as the government has a primary role to play in this, each of us remain a stakeholder in this all important task, not until we realize this fact, we may not have a holistic approach to this menace which threatens us as a people.