Zainab Aderounmu 
In the past week, the tension in Nigeria has been overwhelming. Story after story of kidnappings: 25 girls in Kebbi, over 300 children and teachers in Niger State, and countless others taken in scattered incidents across the country. What unsettles me most is how easily we’ve learned to carry on, pretending we are somehow safe.
“As long as my family is fine, as long as I’m not directly affected,” that seems to be the mindset. Not just among citizens, but heartbreakingly, among our leaders too. Earlier this year, I traveled to Kwara for an event and made the journey back by road without a second thought. If I had to make that same trip today, I honestly wouldn’t dare.
Those incidents that once felt like distant headlines are now creeping closer, unsettlingly so. Schools, meant to nourish the minds and dreams of young people, are being shut down, not for holidays or repairs, but to shield students from the threat of violence. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how insecurity is reshaping even the most fundamental parts of our lives.
The question is simple but sobering: How much longer before it reaches your doorstep?
The barrage of violence may force us into despair but we cannot afford to stay numb or silent. This is the moment for citizens, communities, leaders, and institutions to demand coordinated, sustained security action from our leaders, not occasional reactions when tragedy strikes.
A massive number of out of school children (over 20 million according to UNICEF) got us here in the first place. So closing down schools, as some governors have done, is only a band aid which would aggravate our wounds and reinforce insecurity.
Nigeria’s security infrastructure cannot continue to run on outdated strategies and reactionary responses. Research shows that societies with stronger education and youth engagement opportunities are less likely to experience violence and radicalisation. Our government must shift from reactive firefighting to preventive strategy. That includes safeguarding school environments, deploying technology for surveillance, strengthening local vigilante networks through proper regulation, and addressing the root economic drivers of kidnapping. When schools are fortified and communities are empowered, insecurity loses its fuel. Anything less is simply postponing the crisis.
The truth is, insecurity doesn’t disappear when we pretend it doesn’t exist. The opposite, in fact, happens. It compounds, it multiplies and creeps closer. Kwara is a 5-hour drive from Lagos, and it shares boundaries with Ibadan, how much longer will the bandits stay put before venturing out? Let’s think about it.
Zainab ADEROUNMU A. W. is a First Class graduate of English Language and the Overall Best Graduating Student from the Lagos State University, Lagos Nigeria. She’s a professional Master of Ceremonies, known as The Hijabi Compere , a public speaking coach and Communications Professional. She is currently a Youth advisor to the European Union where she doubles as the Spokesperson and Head of Communications & PR for the Youth Sounding Board.