The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) expressed grave concern on Monday over the dire food scarcity gripping Nigeria, squarely attributing it to the twin crises of open grazing and rampant banditry plaguing the nation. In a press briefing held in Owerri, the President General of COSEYL, Goodluck Ibem, highlighted the profound impact of these issues on the country’s food security landscape.
“In recent times, we have witnessed a deliberate and sinister agenda orchestrated by influential figures within Nigeria, aimed at undermining the efforts of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This agenda manifests through the sponsorship of terrorism, banditry, and the targeted killings of farmers in their fields and homes,” Ibem stated emphatically.
He further emphasized, “These actions are designed to create widespread food shortages in our markets, leaving ordinary Nigerians struggling to afford basic sustenance. It is a heinous plot where those responsible seem indifferent to the suffering they inflict, shielded by the privilege that insulates their own families from the consequences of their malevolent schemes.”
COSEYL condemned what they described as “shenanigans” by unpatriotic elements intent on undermining national stability and discrediting the administration’s efforts. Ibem called for urgent and decisive action from President Tinubu, urging the deployment of all available security forces to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and banditry that hinder agricultural productivity.
“The heart of the matter lies in addressing the insecurity that prevents farmers from safely cultivating their lands. Without security, food production cannot thrive, and the spiraling prices of essential food items reflect this harsh reality,” Ibem lamented.
He continued, “We implore President Tinubu to prioritize the establishment of modern ranching facilities to curtail the destructive impact of open grazing. This step is essential to safeguarding farm yields from the depredations of pastoralists who currently encroach upon arable lands, jeopardizing our food supply.”
The economic toll of these security challenges is starkly evident, with skyrocketing food prices placing an intolerable burden on Nigerian families. Ibem stressed the urgency of effective security measures, insisting that only by quelling terrorism and ensuring safe agricultural practices can the nation hope to alleviate the prevailing hunger crisis.
“In the face of adversity, it falls upon leadership to act decisively. We urge President Tinubu to harness the full capacity of our security apparatus to root out the terrorist networks and their patrons who profit from our collective misery,” Ibem urged passionately.
COSEYL’s appeal resonates against a backdrop of escalating hardship for ordinary Nigerians, exacerbated by the deliberate disruption of agricultural activities. The organization underscored the need for national unity in confronting these challenges, reaffirming their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote food security and economic stability.
As the discourse intensifies on the way forward, COSEYL remains steadfast in advocating for policies that protect farmers, secure food production, and uphold the welfare of all Nigerians. Their message is clear: only through concerted efforts to eliminate insecurity can the nation reclaim its agricultural prosperity and ensure equitable access to food for every citizen.
