Northern Christian youths condemn Delta tragedy, caution against high handedness

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has condemned the loss of officers and soldiers who were on peace mission in Delta State, describing the attack as a tragedy of monumental proportion. NCYP Chairman, Isaac Abrak, told journalists in Abuja while the professionals condoles with the families of the fallen soldiers, and stand in solidarity with […]

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has condemned the loss of officers and soldiers who were on peace mission in Delta State, describing the attack as a tragedy of monumental proportion.

NCYP Chairman, Isaac Abrak, told journalists in Abuja while the professionals condoles with the families of the fallen soldiers, and stand in solidarity with the Nigerian Army during this period, they do not subscribe to the use of high handedness in dealing with the situation.

Abrak said, “We call for the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible for this heinous act. Justice must be served to honor the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women.

“We urge the Nigerian Army to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident, ensuring that justice is pursued professionally and without harming innocent civilians. History has shown that heavy-handed responses can exacerbate tensions and hinder military and public cooperation,” he said.

The NCYP Chairman recalled that similar situation during the early days of Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, created a bad relationship between the army and the members of the public, because people who were victims of the highhanded nature of investigations of the killing of soldiers, became disenchanted.

He said the result of that situation only helped to fuel the growth of insurgents as the public were no longer forthcoming with information that could have assisted in ending the insecurity.

Abrak maintained that a positive relationship between the military and civilians is crucial in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes, adding that “We encourage all community members, including traditional leaders, to cooperate fully with the army and provide any necessary information to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Additionally, we call on President Bola Tinubu and state governors to prioritize the revitalization of the Forest Guard. Because most of the violent group troubling our country such as Boko Haram, Islamic State in West African Province, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN) Bandits, and Oil Militants are all hiding in our forest,.” he said.