Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Universal Friendship Organisation Ghana is appalled by the recent terrorist attacks on the villages of Woro and Nuku in Kwara State, Nigeria, which resulted in the loss of at least 162 innocent lives. These heinous acts of violence, attributed to the Lakurawa group affiliated with the Islamic State, are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism on innocent communities. This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Samuel Adobah, President, Universal Friendship Organisation Ghana, as well as Richil Mawuenyega, Global Policy Analyst UFO.
The statement reads in part: “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Nigeria, who continue to suffer from the scourge of terrorism and violence. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria in their quest for peace and stability.
“The Universal Friendship Organisation Ghana is deeply concerned about the “winner-takes-all” syndrome that has plagued many African countries, contributing to conflicts and undermining development. We believe that it’s time for Africa to change the way things are done in governance, prioritizing inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.
“Corruption has also been a significant contributor to many conflicts in Africa, and we urge leaders to prioritize good governance and accountability. Governance is a continuous process, and we call on governments to prioritize the welfare and security of their citizens.
“We are disappointed by the loss of innocent lives, displacement, and destruction of properties in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. We urge the international community to provide support and assistance to Nigeria in its efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace.
“Furthermore, UFO also condemns the use of unacceptable behaviour and violence by any group, identified or unidentified, to address their concerns. We urge all groups to adopt a peaceful and engagement approach to resolving their grievances.
Recommendations:
“ECOWAS and the African Union should work together to address the security challenges in Nigeria and the region, promoting a collective approach to combating terrorism and banditry.
“International organizations should support Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace, providing technical assistance, capacity-building support, and humanitarian aid.
“Governments in the ECOWAS sub-region should prioritize community-based security frameworks, empowering local communities to take an active role in their own protection.
“Nigeria’s cybersecurity efforts should be intensified to counter the growing threat of cyber-attacks and online terrorism, ” it also added.
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