Borno youths protest insecurity, call for national unity against terrorism

Youths and students in Borno State staged a protest on Sunday against insecurity, urging Nigerians to support the government and unite against terrorism and other forms of criminality. The campaign, tagged #UniteAgainstTerror, involved student groups and youth organizations and took place at the Post Office area of Maiduguri. Suleiman Muhammed, leader of the Youth and Students Forum in Borno State, commended the Federal Government's swift response in rescuing abducted students in Oyo State and called for similar efforts to release all kidnapped victims in Borno. Muhammed cautioned against paying ransoms, stating it would worsen security challenges. He also called for more strategic measures to end insurgency through youth empowerment and creating an enabling environment for citizens. Protesters, including Khadijat Abdullahi, called for stronger political will, increased investment in security, improved support for security agencies, and addressing underlying factors like poverty through youth employment and opportunities. Placards displayed messages such as "Unity Our Weapon Against Terrorism" and "Say No to Terrorism and Yes to Peace."