GOMEP-NG Raises Alarm Over Insecurity: ‘Are Criminals Becoming More Powerful Than Government?’

Media Editors Condemn Continued Captivity of Borno Schoolchildren, Question Nigeria’s Priorities Ahead of 2027 Elections

ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has raised concerns over the country’s worsening security situation, warning that the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren in Borno State has intensified questions about the government’s ability to protect lives and property.

The President of GOMEP-NG, Comr. Akpovoke Otiti, reportedly expressed concern that criminal groups operating from forest hideouts appeared to be gaining the upper hand, describing the situation as alarming for a country whose government has a fundamental responsibility to safeguard its citizens.

The guild’s concerns come amid growing anxiety over the fate of schoolchildren reportedly abducted in Borno State, with affected families and communities awaiting their safe return.

GOMEP-NG also drew attention to the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, noting that the pupils were reportedly released despite the incidents occurring on the same day. The organisation said the contrasting developments had further heightened concerns about the safety of children and educational institutions across Nigeria.

In its condemnation of the incidents, the guild described the continued captivity of the Borno schoolchildren as a serious national concern, insisting that protecting vulnerable citizens must remain a top priority for the government.

2027 Politics Takes Centre Stage Amid Security Concerns

The media editors expressed particular concern over the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the safety of Nigerians must not be overshadowed by electoral calculations.

According to the guild, the apparent shift in public attention towards political ambitions, while families continue to await the return of their abducted children, raises serious questions about the nation’s priorities.

GOMEP-NG maintained that securing lives and property should take precedence over political interests, stressing that no election campaign or political contest should distract the authorities from confronting the threats posed by banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Guild Demands Urgent Action

The organisation called on the relevant authorities to strengthen intelligence-led security operations, improve protection for schools and vulnerable communities, and intensify efforts to ensure the safe release of the abducted children.

It also urged the government to move beyond expressions of concern and demonstrate measurable progress in addressing insecurity, noting that public confidence depends largely on the authorities’ ability to protect citizens.

The guild further stressed the need for a more decisive and coordinated response to criminal activities threatening communities across the country.

As concerns persist over the fate of the abducted pupils, GOMEP-NG urged security agencies and other relevant authorities to intensify their efforts to secure the children’s release and prevent similar incidents in the future.

For the guild, the crisis goes beyond the fate of the affected schoolchildren. It raises a fundamental question about the government’s ability to fulfil one of its most important responsibilities: protecting the lives and security of the people it serves.