The Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Ephraim Ikeakor, has urged authorities to treat worsening insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East, as a national emergency rather than a political issue.
Speaking on the security situation in the region, Ikeakor blamed rising violence on what he described as selfishness among political leaders and their reluctance to speak truth to those in authority.
He also criticised security agencies over the reported abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, questioning how the attackers were able to operate without interception.
The bishop said honest criticism and accountability were necessary to address governance failures and improve security outcomes.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) said it was monitoring developments across the South-East to prevent criminal elements from destabilising communities.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group said the Eastern Security Network remained active in protecting forest areas across the region.
IPOB also cautioned politicians against dragging the outfit into partisan politics or making statements that could provoke security agencies against it.
The group argued that insecurity in the South-East would have been worse without its presence, while dismissing allegations against the security outfit.
Also commenting on the security challenges, security expert and National Coordinator of the Human Rights Justice Advocates, Basil Ogomegbulam, called for the revival of community vigilante groups across the South-East.
He said reliance solely on the police and military was insufficient, noting that local vigilantes possess better knowledge of community terrain and can complement formal security structures.
Ogomegbulam urged traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen local security arrangements and improve intelligence sharing with security agencies to enhance safety across the region.
