Nigerian Lives Matter’: Civil Society Groups Slam Rising Killings, Kidnappings
Anxiety over Nigeria’s deepening insecurity took centre stage as civil society organisations marked the 9th National Day of Mourning with a strong demand for accountability and urgent action to protect lives.
Civil society organisations across Nigeria have condemned the worsening insecurity in the country, warning that the continuous bloodshed reflects a dangerous failure of governance and a growing disregard for human life.
In a joint statement issued to commemorate the 2026 National Day of Mourning, the groups said nearly 20,000 people had been killed and more than 12,000 abducted in violent attacks since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
The coalition described the situation as unacceptable for a nation “not officially at war”, noting that communities continue to suffer insurgency, kidnappings, communal clashes and deadly attacks with little accountability.
The organisations also expressed concern over increasing cases of extrajudicial killings and civilian casualties during security operations, including repeated “accidental airstrikes” on communities.
According to the statement, the insecurity crisis has worsened poverty, food shortages and school abductions, with at least 865 students reportedly kidnapped since 2023.
The groups accused the political class of focusing more on 2027 election calculations than the protection of citizens, insisting that “corpses do not vote”.
They called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, prosecute perpetrators of violent crimes, disrupt kidnapping and ransom networks, and provide support for victims and displaced persons.
The coalition maintained that Nigerians must not become desensitised to preventable killings, stressing that every life lost deserves justice and accountability.
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