By Solomon OKPO
The CLEEN Foundation has expressed deep concern over the growing wave of mass displacement in several communities across Sokoto State, warning that escalating insecurity is fast turning into a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Peter Maduoma, the civil society organisation intensified armed conflict in the state has forced many residents to abandon their homes in search of safety, exposing vulnerable populations to heightened risks of abuse, exploitation, and deprivation.
According to the Foundation, the forced displacement of families has disrupted livelihoods, shattered local economies, and undermined social stability across affected areas. It noted that many displaced persons are now grappling with acute food shortages, lack of shelter, and limited access to healthcare and other essential services, further worsening already fragile living conditions.
The organisation warned that beyond the immediate humanitarian toll, abandoned homes and stalled economic activities pose long-term threats to the development and security of the wider region if urgent steps are not taken.
In response, CLEEN Foundation called on the Federal Government to immediately deploy a robust, intelligence-driven, and coordinated security response to Sokoto State. It urged authorities to degrade the operational capacity of armed groups, establish safe corridors for civilians, and create conditions for the safe return of displaced persons, while also reviewing and strengthening security strategies across the North-West.
The Foundation also appealed to the Sokoto State Government to prioritise the welfare of displaced communities by providing timely humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, medical care, and protection. It stressed the need for stronger collaboration with community leaders and security agencies to enhance local intelligence gathering and peacebuilding initiatives.
At the legislative level, CLEEN urged both the National Assembly and state parliaments to exercise their oversight responsibilities by summoning security chiefs and relevant officials to present clear, accountable plans for restoring security and supporting affected communities.
Security agencies were further challenged to intensify their efforts, improve inter-agency coordination, and adopt community-policing approaches aimed at rebuilding public trust and effectively countering insecurity in the state.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Sokoto, the Foundation stressed that the right to live in peace and security within one’s homeland remains a fundamental entitlement of every Nigerian.
The Evangelist News
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