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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Youths under the aegis of the National Youth Forum (NYF), on Saturday, appealed to politicians and those in high places to exercise caution when dissecting insecurity in order not to worsen it.
NYF President and Secretary, Tanko Gambo and Jamiu Adigun, in a statement, appealed to Nigerians to support the military in the fight against bandits.
The statement read: “We, as youths and students, are concerned with what is happening in our dear country. Not here to defend anyone, we have studied the situation, and feel caution and faith is needed to see us through these trying times.
“Sincerely, like what our senior brother, the former minister said, the situation is bad, but it is not hopeless.
“We are sure that for some obvious reasons, the military will not come out publicly and say what they are doing to stem the security challenges, but that does not mean they have failed or not doing anything about it.
“Just this week, we read that troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized some terrorists at Gamage in Borno State.
“We believe several efforts are being made to restore peace and stability in the country.
“On several occasions, President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired General, who has seen it all in terms of war, has acknowledged the efforts of the Armed Forces, especially successes coming out from the new found synergy in the AFN been marshalled by the Chief of Defence Staff, General LEO Irabor.
“On the allegation that the military was working to truncate democracy, we are aware like every other Nigerian that the military high command has, time without number, pledged their loyalty to democratic rule in the country.
“We commend the former minister for also acknowledging international dimension in the crisis.
“This may not be far from the truth, it therefore call for a United front to face the challenge headlong.
“Truly, countries across the world are facing different challenges.
“Just this year, there have already been more than 300 mass shootings in the United States, according to the gun violence archive.
“The shooting on July 4, during a parade in Highland Park, Ill that left six people dead and dozens injured was one of fourteen mass shootings over the long weekend.
“There have been just over 100 since a rampage at an elementary school in Uvalde, Tex., left 19 children and two teachers dead on May 24.
“While this may not be an excuse, NYF insist that just like US citizens, we must come together and quash the evil plans by enemies of the country. We must not in trying to proffer solution, cause more harm.”
