Nigerian Civil Society Holds Moment of Silence for Victims of Violence

ABUJA, Nigeria — Representatives from more than 80 civil society and rights organizations in Nigeria held a moment of silence on May 28 to remember the approximately 9,000 people who have died in the last year due to various forms of violence. This annual National Day of Mourning, launched seven years ago, aims to pay tribute to victims of attacks and demand that the government restore security in the country.

"These incidents of violence have reduced citizens’ rights to life and dignity,” said Lois Auta of the Cedar Seed Foundation, one of the event's organizers. “The frequency of these atrocities has kept Nigerians in a state of perpetual fear and uncertainty, impacting social cohesion, the economy, and education across the country. All Nigerians suffer the consequences of food insecurity and economic hardships resulting from the hindrances imposed by perennial insecurity."

Nigeria is grappling with widespread insecurity, including kidnappings, communal clashes, terrorism, extrajudicial killings, and secessionist violence. The coalition noted that more than 30,000 people have died in the last six years as a result.

This year’s commemoration coincided with the one-year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu taking office. Tinubu had pledged to improve security and boost the economy if elected president. However, critics like Frank Tietie, founder of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights, argue that Tinubu has failed to deliver on his promises and that the situation has worsened.

"His primary responsibility is to protect the Nigerian people. If nobody has told President Tinubu that he's failing at this point, at the celebration of his one-year anniversary in government, we are telling him that he has not only failed [but] he has exhibited gross irresponsibility,” Tietie said. “Nigerians are suffering, there's hardly any family that has not been touched by this level of insecurity."

A security tracker by Nigerian-based Beacon Security and Consulting Limited reported an increase in incidents of attacks from 5,500 between 2022 and 2023 to 7,800 between 2023 and 2024. The number of fatalities and abductions also rose during the same period.

Security analyst Kabiru Adamu noted that while the government is making an effort, poor accountability and unwise appointments in the security sector are major obstacles. "It's very obvious that the government is committed to addressing the security challenges as indicated in policy imperatives and those policy imperatives are very clear. As an expert, if they're implemented, I believe they'll reduce or even eliminate the security challenge,” Adamu said. “But the major challenge has been one of implementation, especially due to the absence of capability by some of the security sector leadership."

Last Friday, a local district head in Nigeria's Niger state reported that gunmen terrorized villagers, killing 10 and abducting 160 others, even cooking food and making tea during the attack.

Adamu emphasized that one year is not enough time for a new administration to fully address insecurity issues, but authorities should at least show progress. For now, rights groups and families of the victims will continue to remind the president of his promise to keep the country safe.

As Nigeria continues to confront its security challenges, the voices of civil society and the memories of the victims underscore the urgent need for effective action and accountability from the government.