It is disturbing that some individuals are alleged to be richer than critical sectors of the economy like the security. Rather than such wealth to be deployed for economic development, the money in the individual pockets are selfishly used for luxury lifestyles.

There have been media reports that security agencies do not have sufficient equipment to carry out their jobs effectively. In fact, criminal in most cases have more sophisticated arms than the security personnel in the armed forces and police. There are also reported cases of old and unserviceable weapons being used by our security agencies.

Our security agencies and personnel deserve all the equipment and incentives to put in their best. These people are Nigerians and they are protecting us in fighting crime and terrorism. They, therefore, require sufficient materials that will enable them to work effectively

The Government should provide adequate equipment for security operations and adequate remunerations for their sacrifice through enough budgetary provisions. There should also be a task force to ensure regular monitoring and inspections of the weapons supplied to ensure transparency and accountability. Those who failed any accountability test should be sanctioned.

Meanwhile, it is painful the many lives lost to the insurgency in the North-East where many homes have been broken with no pieces to be picked up. Most of the survivors are still going through the trauma.

The current fear is the report that the Federal Government of Nigeria is planning to close down some of the IDP camps and sending the people to a life of uncertainty. The Boko Haram insurgency is still continuous and unending. There are orphans with no parents and nowhere to return to. Where does the government expect these poor individuals to return to? Individuals whose homes, shops, jobs and their means of living have been destroyed where can they return to?

Taking these people from these camps and returning them back to their homes is like returning them to the streets where they may get themselves involved in social vices like prostitution, drug addictions, armed robbery and even into terrorism. It is saddening that even in the camps the displaced people are not comfortable, yet the government wants to push them into further pain and agony.

The government should be able to provide adequate funds for feeding, medication, and management of the camps before their eventual return. Most of them, as seen in some pictures suffering from malnutrition and different sicknesses.

Atinuke Brenda Lawal-Thomas
Department of Mass-Communication
Covenant University
Ogun State