Amb. Ezekiel Ibikunle Jasper Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity, Urges Stronger National Response.

Amb. Ezekiel Ibikunle Jasper Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity, Urges Stronger National Response.

Ambassador Ezekiel Ibikunle Jasper, who also serves as the State Chairman of the Future Leaders Youth Initiative (FLYI), Ekiti State Chapter, has expressed deep concern over the growing threat of insecurity across Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government, state authorities, and security agencies to intensify efforts toward safeguarding lives and property.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja  after narrowly escaping a deadly attack on the Kabba–Abuja road on Thursday with Ekiti and Ondo delegates, Ibikunle recounted the terrifying incident, thanking God for preservation while lamenting the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and coordinated assaults on security personnel and travellers.

According to him, the attackers—suspected to be bandits—unleashed violence on the highway, kidnapped 21 People,killing a soldier, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). The perpetrators were not apprehended as of the time of addressing the press on Saturday at the Future Leaders Youth Initiative National Conference, Abuja

Ibikunle described the incident as “a painful reminder that Nigeria’s security architecture needs urgent reinforcement,” noting that the courage and sacrifices of security operatives must be matched with improved welfare, modern equipment, and better intelligence coordination with technicality strategies and recruit more gallant competent security personnel and focus more on Youth unemployment in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria rather than politicizing the life of Nigerian citizens.

Ambassador Ibikunle urged the Federal Government to:

●Strengthen joint security operations to flush out criminal elements from highways and rural areas.

●Deploy advanced surveillance technologies including drones, highway cameras and early-warning systems.

●Increase the manpower of security agencies and improve their response time.

●Enhance intelligence gathering with support from Special Constabulary police in their local communities.

Boost the welfare, insurance and motivation of soldiers, police officers, FRSC officials, and other frontline personnel.

He also tasked state governments to prioritize internal security by supporting federal forces with local intelligence, special constable logistics, and community policing structures.

Ibikunle advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and adopt safety-conscious habits such as:

Avoiding late-night travel on high-risk routes.

●Sharing travel details with trusted contacts.

●Moving in convoys where possible.

●Promptly reporting suspicious movements to security agencies.

●Staying updated on security alerts and verified travel advisories.

He emphasized that citizens must treat personal safety as a priority, noting that “no journey is worth risking your life.”

Ambassador Ibikunle commended the bravery of Nigeria’s security operatives who continue to confront violent criminals despite enormous risks. He encouraged them to stay committed to their duty, assuring them that Nigerians appreciate their sacrifices.

“You are the backbone of our peace and stability. We salute your courage and pray for God’s protection over your lives. The nation must continue to support you,” he said.

Ibikunle concluded by urging all stakeholders—government, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens—to unite in the fight against insecurity, describing it as a national challenge that requires coordinated and sustained action.

“The attack we escaped on Thursday and 21 people were kidnapped is one incident too many. Nigeria must rise above this, and with determination, cooperation, and the fear of God, we will overcome,” he added.