Follow Us on Google
As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary, Dr. Ogenna Walter-Ekwubiri, Founder of the Motivating African Youths Initiative and Country President of World Women Leading Change, said insecurity continues to undermine the essence of the nation’s freedom.
She lamented that independence holds little meaning for citizens who live under constant fear, stressing that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) — the symbolic heart of Nigeria — has become a hotspot for violent crimes.
Walter-Ekwubiri referenced the killing of 29-year-old journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu in Katampe as a painful reminder of how unsafe the city has become.
“The death of Somtochukwu is not just another statistic — it is a national alarm bell. True independence is not only about self-rule; it is about safety, dignity, and freedom from fear,” she declared.
Citing official figures, she noted that more than a thousand crimes were recorded in Abuja in 2024, ranging from kidnappings and armed robberies to so-called one-chance attacks. Between mid-2023 and mid-2024, dozens of lives were lost to violent incidents, while ransom payments in the territory reportedly surpassed ₦126 million in just six months.
The activist and Entrepreneur urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the National Assembly, and security chiefs to confront the worsening insecurity with urgent reforms.
She pressed for visible policing, stronger surveillance, tighter border enforcement, a more responsive justice system, and deeper community engagement, describing these as crucial steps to restore confidence in Abuja’s safety.
Walter-Ekwubiri insisted that this year’s Independence Day should not be reduced to speeches and celebrations but remembered as a turning point for prioritising security.
According to her, Nigeria can only claim true independence when its citizens are no longer captives of fear.
