NAWOJ Zone D Raises Concern Over Rising Insecurity, Urges Swift Action on Kidnappings

NAWOJ Zone D Raises Concern Over Rising Insecurity, Urges Swift Action on Kidnappings

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, has expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity across the North Central region, particularly the growing cases of kidnapping in Niger State.

The position of the zone was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its first Zonal Meeting for 2026, held on January 22 and presided over by the Zonal Vice President, Chizoba Ogbeche. The meeting had in attendance Zonal officers as well as Chairpersons and Secretaries from state chapters in Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, and the FCT.

According to the communiqué, the women journalists decried the persistent insecurity, describing the escalating abductions—especially in Niger State where several victims remain in captivity—as alarming and unacceptable.

NAWOJ Zone D urged the Niger State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe and timely rescue of all kidnapped victims. The group further called for the implementation of proactive and long-term security strategies to prevent future attacks and violent crimes across the region.

On the upcoming FCT Area Council elections, the Association appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee a free, fair, and credible process. It emphasized the need for a level playing field for all political parties and candidates to boost public trust in the electoral system and reduce voter apathy.

The communiqué also encouraged FCT residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to fully participate in choosing their preferred leaders.

While commending the efforts of security agencies in the FCT, NAWOJ Zone D urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security bodies to intensify action against the growing menace of “one-chance” robbery operations within the territory.

The Association further applauded the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for infrastructural development across Abuja but appealed for urgent attention to the upgrade and restoration of non-functional public health facilities—specifically the Karu and Utako General Hospitals—to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare.

The communiqué was signed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee comprising:

Elizabeth Achagh, Chairperson, NAWOJ Benue

Stella Edoka, Chairperson, NAWOJ Kogi

Mercy Tanze, Chairperson, NAWOJ Nasarawa