The Elegant Nurses Forum has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, questioning what it described as disparities in the urgency with which kidnapping cases are handled across the country.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the forum welcomed the recent rescue of the sister of former Minister Adedibu and her twin sons, noting that every Nigerian life is valuable and every victim deserves to be rescued from the hands of kidnappers and terrorists.
However, the group said the development had reignited concerns over why some kidnapping cases appear to receive swift attention while many ordinary citizens remain in captivity for prolonged periods.
The forum pointed to the plight of kidnapped students and teachers in Orire, Oyo State, as well as victims of abductions in Northern Nigeria, Ekiti State and other parts of the country, arguing that such cases deserve the same level of urgency, commitment and determination often deployed when influential or politically connected individuals are involved.
“As healthcare professionals, we witness firsthand the pain, trauma and suffering that insecurity inflicts on individuals, families and communities. We therefore cannot remain silent while innocent Nigerians continue to live in fear and uncertainty,” the statement read.
The forum stressed that the primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property, but lamented that many Nigerians no longer feel safe. It cited growing fears among parents, teachers, farmers, travellers and rural communities who continue to face threats from criminal elements.
According to the group, the perception that wealthy and influential individuals receive preferential treatment in security matters while ordinary citizens are neglected poses a threat to national unity and public confidence in government institutions.
“The child of a farmer is not less important than the relative of a politician. A teacher’s life is not worth less than that of a government official. Every Nigerian life carries equal value under the law,” the statement added.
The forum expressed frustration over what it described as repeated promises without tangible results, saying many families have spent months or even years waiting for the return of loved ones held by kidnappers.
To address the situation, the Elegant Nurses Forum called for immediate and intensified efforts to secure the release of all kidnapped students, teachers and other Nigerians currently in captivity.
The group also demanded regular public updates on rescue operations and investigations, stronger security measures around schools, rural communities and major highways, improved intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies, and equal treatment of all victims regardless of social status, political affiliation, ethnicity or economic background.
In addition, the forum called for accountability from public officials responsible for security failures that continue to endanger citizens.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just the privileged few. Every life matters. Every victim matters. Every family deserves justice,” the statement said.
The group urged the government to demonstrate through concrete action that the lives of ordinary Nigerians are valued equally with those of the rich and powerful, declaring that “enough is enough.” #Securitynewsalert.com
