Terrorism is biggest threat to Nigeria after civil war – Omeri

Abuja- Mr Mike Omeri, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has described the current bombing in some parts of the country as the biggest threat to the nation’s security after the civil war, which ended in 1970.
He made observation on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference organised by the Homeland Secure, a non-governmental organisation, on the strategy to combat and prevent terrorism in the country.
Omeri, who was represented by an official of the agency, Mr John Tagwai, said that since 1999 the country had passed through many crises, adding that no democracy could thrive in crises.
He, however, said that the Federal Government was committed to protecting the people and warned those behind the current crises to desist, as perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Omeri said dialogue was the best option to resolve contending issues, and described as timely, the proposed conference on how to combat and prevent terrorism scheduled to take place between May 28 and May 30.
Earlier, Retired Brig.-Gen. Soyemi Sofoluwe, the Chairman of Homeland Secure, had said that the conference was aimed at fashioning out strategies to combat and prevent terrorism in the country.
Sofoluwe explained that Homeland Secure was a private sector collaboration of retired senior public servants, diplomats and security officials that brainstorm on matters of national interest.
He said the organisation would host the conference in conjunction with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and some security organisations.
Sofoluwe said the outcome of the conference would be used to sensitise policy makers on how to create policies that would control the scourge of terrorism and create awareness in the populace through the media and NOA.
He called for the establishment of a “National Centre for Terrorism’’ to handle terrorism and terrorism-related issues.
“We at the Homeland Secure having deliberated on happenings in the recent past, decided to approach the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for permission to organise the conference to develop a holistic approach to combating the challenges. (NAN)