Nigeria’s Security And Humanitarian Challenges And The Role Of Journalism In Tackling Them -By Mukhtar Muhammad Garba

Security is everybody’s business because it affects the affairs of all and sundry that inhabits in any geographical location irrespective of status, gender, age, race and other numerous divergences. Security is like an opportunity that cannot be missed because it comes just once, also opportunity is like a beauty that must be admired, humanitarian work is like a dream that deserves to be real; security and humanitarian challenges are inevitable that must be faced and dealt with. The importance of security and humanitarian activities in respect to journalism is like the importance of life to a body without which nothing could move an inch or function properly.

Nigeria undergoes challenges of insecurity, some of which comprises: Niger Delta crisis; minority ethnic groups in that region felt that oil exploration contaminated their farmlands and in sharing government’s compensation they were being marginalized. Second wave of insecurity was the spate of kidnappings in Southeast zone; it became virulent in that zone as youths that were used as political thugs in 2007 general elections were abandoned by their sponsors and engaged in kidnapping to get money. In 2009, Boko Haram sect started insurgency in Northeastern part of the country, the insurgents sought to impose Sharia law and its radical interpretation of Islam.

Insecurity disrupts businesses, provision of amenities, hampers smooth collective societal works and disturbs harmony amongst citizens. Factors that trigger insecurity includes high rate of unemployment and excessive love of money, some people see money as the only solution to all problems, money make some shun from reporting threats in their domains. At check points drivers offer bribes to security agents while skipping checks on items being transported; low number of resilient and patriotic officers in administering the affairs of armed forces has contributed in exacerbating the insecurity.

Governments at different levels are quiescent in eliminating masterminds of terror in societies, Nigeria has equipped gallant military that were why it helped other African countries in restoring peace, elements causing mayhem within Nigeria could be cleared in a day but that would not be possible because some are benefiting when violence is throbbing. Humanitarian activities are hindered by challenges, the incidences of kidnapping are increasing on daily basis and aid workers are being taken hostages; after kidnapping aid workers, huge amounts of money are demanded as ransom, this made most of them loose interest in their works.

Journalism can immensely help in tackling insecurity and humanitarian challenges, citizens should be enlightened on the importance of peace, supporting one another and living together as one. Through radio programs, political office holders could be reminded on their campaign promises; doing this would make them execute developmental projects, provide jobs or capital for businesses to idle youths and eradicate criminalities. Skill acquisition should be made compulsory subject in secondary and higher institutions of learning, students that acquired them would not be waiting for white-collar jobs after graduation.