By Saminu Sodiq Bayonle, Human Rights Defender
The rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria has continued to expose the vulnerability of our communities and the failure of existing structures to adequately protect lives and property. As a human rights defender, I am deeply concerned that many fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution and international human rights instruments are being violated daily.
The right to life is under constant threat as terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements continue to attack innocent citizens. The right to education is being undermined as schools become targets of abductions and violence. The dignity of the human person is violated whenever citizens are kidnapped, tortured, displaced, or forced to live in fear. Equally affected is the right to freedom of movement and the ability of people to coexist peacefully within their communities.
In reflecting on these challenges, I believe it is important for us to revisit certain aspects of our cultural heritage that promoted resilience, courage, and community defence. In the olden days, our forefathers placed great value on fortification and communal protection. People were traditionally prepared against dangers, whether physical or spiritual, and communities relied on collective responsibility to confront threats.
What made this system unique was that it often transcended religious differences. A person could be a Christian or a Muslim while still embracing aspects of traditional community protection. The primary objective was not division but survival, security, and the preservation of the community.
Today, however, many of these indigenous systems have been abandoned in favour of modern approaches that have not always delivered the desired results. While civilisation and religion have contributed positively to society in many ways, they have also led many people to completely disconnect from their roots and traditional methods of communal resilience.
The recent abduction of teachers and students in the Ogbomoso axis has once again highlighted the severity of our security challenges. Ogbomoso is historically known as the home of warriors, a land renowned for bravery and resistance against external threats. Yet, the current reality raises questions about how much of that warrior spirit remains active in modern society.
It is my belief that communities must rediscover the values of courage, vigilance, selflessness, and collective responsibility that defined our ancestors. Security should not be left entirely to government agencies. Communities must also play their part by strengthening local structures, supporting lawful community defence initiatives, and preserving cultural values that encourage resilience in the face of danger.
I therefore call on traditional rulers, elders, chiefs, political leaders, and custodians of Yoruba culture to take a renewed interest in empowering the younger generation through cultural orientation, moral instruction, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge that promotes community protection and peaceful coexistence. Any form of empowerment must be guided by discipline, responsibility, and a commitment to peace, ensuring that it is never used for oppression, criminality, or personal gain.
As insecurity continues to threaten the future of our nation, we must be willing to have honest conversations about the role of culture, tradition, and community participation in safeguarding our people. The protection of life, dignity, education, and peaceful coexistence is a responsibility that belongs to all of us.
— Saminu Sodiq Bayonle is a Human Rights Defender and public affairs commentator.
Comments