24/11/2025
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE GOMBE NETWORK OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (GONET)
On the Rising Security Challenges, Attacks on Schools, and National Security
Date: 25/11/2025
Venue: Gombe, Nigeria
Distinguished members of the press, esteemed partners, representatives of civil society, security agencies, and fellow citizens of Nigeria, we welcome you all to this important press briefing convened by the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organizations (GONET). Today’s statement comes at a time when our country faces renewed security threats ranging from insurgency and banditry to widespread kidnapping, including the tragic abductions of school students that have led to the closure of Federal Colleges of Education and heightened tension across several states.
1. Expression of Sympathy and Solidarity
GONET wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to the parents, families, and communities whose children and loved ones have been abducted or affected by the recent wave of attacks. We mourn with the families, we stand with them in prayer and solidarity, and we reaffirm that no child deserves to be denied education or safety due to the actions of criminal elements. We equally sympathize with all affected states and assure them that the people of Gombe State stand in unity with their pain and struggle.
2. Appreciation to the President and Security Agencies
We commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the national security architecture for their swift and coordinated response to these attacks. The rapid deployment of security forces and the commitment expressed by the Presidency demonstrate the seriousness with which the government views these threats to national stability. We urge the security agencies to sustain their proactive approach until every abducted student is safely returned and perpetrators are brought to justice.
3. A Call to States, Communities, and Local Governments to Rise to the Occasion
While federal action is crucial, GONET strongly emphasizes that security begins within the community. We call on state governments, local government authorities, traditional rulers, school management boards, and community leaders to intensify efforts in safeguarding schools and vulnerable areas. Communities must take ownership of local security through intelligence sharing, vigilance committees, early warning systems, and effective collaboration with security stakeholders. When communities provide timely information, security agencies respond more effectively. Security is everyone’s business.
4. Nigerians Must Stop the Blame Game and Unite Against Insecurity
In times like these, national division is a luxury we cannot afford. GONET urges Nigerians to avoid politicizing security matters or engaging in ethnic and religious blame games. Terrorism knows no tribe, no religion, and no political party. We encourage all citizens to collectively condemn any form of violence, terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry. This is the time to unite as one people with one voice for the safety of our nation.
5. A Call for National Unity, Peace, and Development
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. Our strength lies not in our differences but in our unity. GONET urges citizens, leaders, civil society groups, youth, religious institutions, and traditional councils to work together to rebuild trust, promote peace dialogues, strengthen community cohesion, and support all efforts directed toward national stability. A nation in crisis must choose unity over division, hope over despair, and collaboration over isolation. Our children deserve a peaceful nation, our communities deserve stability, and future generations deserve a Nigeria where safety is guaranteed.
6. Additional Concerns and Recommendations
GONET further recommends the following:
a. Urgent strengthening of school security architecture, including perimeter fencing, trained security guards, CCTV in strategic institutions, and improved lighting.
b. Immediate revival of the Safe School Initiative to protect learning spaces across Nigeria.
c. Community policing and intelligence-led operations to identify threats before they escalate.
d. Increased psychosocial support for traumatized students, families, and teachers.
e. Investment in youth employment and skills initiatives to reduce the recruitment pool for criminal groups.
f. Improved coordination between federal and state authorities to avoid gaps that criminals exploit.
7. Commitment of GONET
The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organizations reaffirms its commitment to working with government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions, media organizations, and community groups to strengthen peace, security, and community resilience in Gombe State and Nigeria at large. We will intensify our advocacy, community engagement, and civic education to support a safer society.
8. Conclusion
Our nation is going through a difficult time, but we must remember that in the history of great nations, difficult periods often produce strong resolve and collective rebirth. Let us come together to protect our schools, secure our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life. We call on all Nigerians to continue praying, cooperating, and supporting every meaningful effort toward restoring peace and security.
Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Amb. Ibrahim Yusuf
Chairman, GONET
Mr. Benjamin Maina
Secretary, GONET
