A coalition of civil society and non-governmental organisations under the banner of the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has applauded President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for the rescue of dozens of abducted worshippers and students across three states.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition commended the successful rescue of 38 abducted worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku in Kwara State; 51 students of St. Mary’s Private and Primary School, Papiri, Niger State; and 24 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu for keeping to his words of ensuring the release of all abducted persons,” the coalition stated, praising security agencies for “rising to the occasion” and executing presidential directives with precision.
The group’s spokesperson, Nelson Ekujumi, lamented the trauma endured by victims and families but expressed relief that “the joy of the evil doers and their hailers has been short-lived” due to the gallantry of Nigeria’s security operatives.
The CGG urged security agencies to intensify efforts to guarantee citizens’ safety and challenged state and local governments to stop abandoning their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“States and local governments have a constitutional duty for the security and welfare of Nigerians within their jurisdictions,” the statement read. “We wonder why they continue to pretend as though security is not their priority.”
The group also called on citizens to collaborate with security agencies, shun divisive rhetoric, and provide intelligence to expose criminal elements.
The coalition commiserated with families of victims killed in recent attacks, praying for comfort, healing, and the repose of the deceased.
On the recent conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the coalition commended the judiciary — particularly Justice James Omotosho — for what it described as a courageous and principled delivery of justice.
Ekujumi said the conviction for terrorism-related crimes “which resulted in mass killings, destruction of properties and other heinous acts” affirmed the judiciary’s integrity as the last hope of the common man.
The group condemned calls for a political solution or the release of Kanu, describing such demands as “irresponsible, reckless, insensitive, and provocative.”
“Such calls symbolize dancing on the graves of those murdered by IPOB,” the statement said.
The CGG also praised President Tinubu for allowing the judicial process to run its full course, refusing to yield to pressure during the trial.
Reaffirming its position, the coalition urged the president to “ignore irresponsible and condemnable calls” for Kanu’s release, warning that doing otherwise would undermine Nigeria’s image and global counterterrorism efforts.
The statement was signed by Convener Nelson Ekujumi and co-conveners Razaq Olokoba, Razaq Oladosu, Uche Nnadozie, Peter Oparah, Gbenga Soloki, Gbenga Omage, Ajayi Popoola, Felix Mbah, and Shola Omolola.