By Felix Asuquo Calabar
The South-South Zonal Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the region, warning that insecurity is gradually spreading into communities previously regarded as safe.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its zonal executive council meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State.
The meeting, presided over by the South-South (Zone F) Zonal Vice President, Opaka Dokubo, noted that the emerging security threats require urgent and coordinated action by state governments, security agencies, and community stakeholders.
It urged state governments across the region to strengthen existing security architectures and adopt more proactive measures to curb the spread of criminal activities.
The journalists also advocated intensified community policing, including proper profiling of individuals entering communities, and improved collaboration between residents and security operatives to enhance intelligence gathering and response mechanisms.
Raising further concern, the NUJ cautioned security agencies and relevant authorities to monitor the increasing use of military uniforms and escorts by unauthorised individuals, warning that the trend poses a growing security risk in the region.
Despite the concerns, the zonal council commended some proactive steps taken by governments within the South-South to safeguard lives and property, while calling for sustained vigilance and improved coordination.
On infrastructure, the meeting lauded the Federal Government for progress recorded on key road projects, including the Calabar–Itu Highway, but urged accelerated completion to ease transportation challenges and reduce road accidents.
It also applauded the completion of the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Highway, describing it as a major boost to regional connectivity.
The NUJ further called for urgent environmental remediation in oil-producing communities, urging the Federal Government to conduct comprehensive impact assessments to address the long-term effects of oil exploration.
The communiqué also urged political leaders not to allow election-related activities to distract from governance, warning that citizens must continue to receive democratic dividends.
The meeting commended the Cross River State Government for what it described as notable developmental strides, while also appreciating the Nigeria Union of Journalists leadership for lifting sanctions previously imposed on a member of the Delta State Council.
It also praised the Edo State Council chairman, Festus Alenkhe, on his appointment as Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Corporation.
The communiqué reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting unity, ethical journalism, security awareness, and good governance across the South-South region.
