The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has emphasized the need for unity across religious, ethnic, and political lines in the country, and the implementation of people-centered policies that empower communities to protect themselves and deny terrorism as a key to combating terrorism in the region.
This is just as the group pledged its full support for local government (LG) financial autonomy as ordered by the Supreme Court of Justice.
In a statement signed by NCYP Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the group noted that terrorism thrives in environment where there is disunity and poverty, and that terrorist groups have exploited longstanding divisions within communities to carry out attacks.
According to the statement, “Terrorism thrives where there is disunity and poverty. In Nigeria, sectarian and political fault lines, especially religious divisions between Christians and Muslims, have allowed these criminals to operate with impunity. Rather than uniting to confront a common enemy, communities often fall into the trap of mutual suspicion and blame. This division has enabled terrorists to continue their violence across religious and political boundaries.
“We must ask ourselves, why do we continue to witness deadly attacks in Christian-dominated areas such as Plateau, Benue, and in the recent tragedy in Gombe States, where a truck rammed into an Easter mass rally? Similarly, why are Muslim-majority states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto under constant siege?
“The answer is simple: terrorism knows no religion, region, or tribe. Nigeria as a whole is being targeted, and unless we unite, we risk losing everything, just as happened in countries like Afghanistan and Yemen.
“The way forward is not through division, but unity across religious, ethnic, and political lines. This unity must be backed by bold, people-centred policies that empower communities to protect themselves and deny terrorists the environment they exploit.
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