The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, has issued a strongly worded Easter message condemning the escalating wave of insecurity across the country, declaring that Nigerians are “tired of mourning” amid recurring violence and loss of innocent lives.
Addressing a press conference in Abakaliki on Good Friday, the State Chairman of the Council, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, decried the recent spate of killings, with particular reference to the Palm Sunday attack in Jos, Plateau State, where scores of civilians were reportedly gunned down by armed assailants.
He described the incident as a “horrific affront to humanity and national conscience,” noting that a day meant for peace and spiritual reflection was turned into one of bloodshed.
Ochishi further raised alarm over reports that the attackers were clad in uniforms resembling those of Nigeria’s security forces, warning that such developments pose grave implications for public trust and national security architecture.
He called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the use of fake military uniforms, stressing that failure to act decisively would deepen citizens’ sense of vulnerability and erode confidence in state institutions.
Beyond Plateau State, the NYCN lamented what it described as a disturbing pattern of violence within Ebonyi State itself.
The Council cited the killing of a traditional ruler in Ishinkwo community, Onicha Local Government Area, during the Holy Week, as well as the earlier murder of another monarch in Ikwo LGA, linking both incidents to a broader climate of insecurity that has increasingly affected both rural and urban communities.
“These incidents, coupled with rising cases of abduction and violent crimes, paint a deeply troubling picture of a society under siege. Nigerians want more than condolences, they want concrete, visible action," Ochishi said.
The Council called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend perpetrators of these crimes and ensure swift prosecution, emphasizing that justice for victims remains a critical step toward restoring public confidence and deterring future attacks.
It also urged enhanced intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency coordination, and proactive community policing strategies to curb the tide of violence.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the NYCN stressed the need for sustained commitment to accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes in governance.
It noted that insecurity not only threatens lives but also undermines economic stability, discourages investment, disrupts agricultural activities, and weakens social cohesion.
On the socio-economic front, the Council warned that persistent insecurity could have far-reaching consequences on youth productivity and national development, as fear and uncertainty continue to shrink opportunities for enterprise, education, and innovation.
It called for targeted interventions, including youth empowerment programmes and job creation initiatives, to address underlying drivers of crime and social unrest.
Politically, the NYCN used the occasion to caution against the continued recycling of what it termed “failed and underperforming leaders” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to take advantage of the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participating actively in elections to usher in credible and visionary leadership.
“Youth participation is not optional; it is essential,” Ochishi stated, adding that the future of Nigeria depends largely on the willingness of young citizens to engage constructively in governance and political processes.
On the religious significance of the season, the Council called on Christians to reflect on the core values of Easter—sacrifice, love, hope, and redemption—while remaining vigilant in the face of emerging security threats. It encouraged faith leaders to continue promoting peace, unity, and interreligious harmony, particularly at a time when national cohesion is under strain.
As Nigeria navigates a complex mix of security, economic, and political challenges, the NYCN underscored a growing impatience among citizens and a renewed call for decisive leadership, effective security responses, and inclusive governance.
“The nation cannot continue on this path of grief and uncertainty. We owe the dead justice, the living protection, and future generations a country where peace and progress are not aspirations, but realities," the NYCN maintained.
