Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja — A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and community groups has sounded a fresh alarm over persistent killings, displacement and the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, calling on federal and state authorities to take decisive actions to protect internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable civilians caught in the crossfire of violent conflicts. The groups’ concerns reflect deepening frustrations over what they describe as inadequate protection, delayed security responses and insufficient humanitarian support for displaced populations forced from their homes by armed attacks.
In a coordinated statement issued by civil society leaders, including representatives from regional forums and rights advocacy networks, the CSOs highlighted the widespread violence and displacement affecting communities across Nigeria — particularly in conflict-prone areas of the Middle Belt and North-Central regions. They warned that unchecked killings, forced evictions and attacks by armed groups have left thousands of civilians living in precarious conditions, often with little to no protection as they seek shelter in IDP camps or informal settlements.
The coalition drew attention to mounting evidence of ongoing violence and mass displacement in several states, noting that attacks by armed groups have not only claimed lives but pushed large numbers of families from their ancestral lands. In regions such as Benue, where gunmen raided villages earlier this year, scores of civilians were killed and thousands more were driven from their homes, with many forced to seek refuge in overcrowded displacement camps lacking basic services.
Civil society advocates also underscored the exposure of IDPs and host communities to continued risk, pointing out that security forces often arrive only after attacks have occurred, leaving vulnerable populations to fend for themselves. They argued that the absence of timely protection and sustained security presence has emboldened perpetrators, further deepening the humanitarian crisis and eroding public confidence in state protection mechanisms.
The CSOs’ appeal comes amid broader reports of rising insecurity and human rights concerns nationwide. For instance, a recent bulletin from the National Human Rights Commission detailed persistent killings, abductions and rights violations across different regions, underscoring the severity of the crisis and the impact on civilians’ fundamental rights.
At the heart of the CSOs’ demands is urgent intervention to secure the safety of IDPs, many of whom have fled repeated attacks by armed factions and now reside in conditions that expose them to further violence, disease and deprivation. Advocates called on the federal government and relevant agencies to strengthen protection measures within and around displacement camps, ensure safe access to humanitarian assistance, and engage in proactive security planning to pre-empt attacks before they occur.
The groups also urged authorities to integrate protection strategies into broader counter-insurgency and peacebuilding frameworks, including improved intelligence-led operations, enhanced community policing and sustained engagement with local leaders to address the root causes of violence. They argued that such measures are critical to preventing future displacement and guaranteeing the safety of civilians returning to their homes.
In addition to immediate protection for IDPs, civil society leaders called for accountability for perpetrators of violence, insisting that investigations and prosecutions must follow violent incidents to deter further attacks and reassure affected communities that justice will be served.
The situation for Nigeria’s displaced populations remains highly volatile, with thousands still displaced amid ongoing clashes and inadequate security coverage in many high-risk areas. Without urgent and coordinated action from government authorities, CSOs warn that the humanitarian crisis could deepen further, with long-term consequences for peace, stability and social cohesion across the country.
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