A leading governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Barrister Niyi Aborisade (BANA), has urged the Federal Government to prioritise victims of the Boko Haram insurgency over ongoing efforts to rehabilitate former fighters.
Aborisade’s remarks follow the Federal Government’s deradicalisation programme, under which hundreds of ex-insurgents have reportedly been processed and reintegrated after renouncing violence.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the British-trained legal practitioner argued that greater attention must be directed at those who bore the brunt of the insurgency.
“The government appears to be paying more attention to those who committed the crimes than to those who suffered from them. This should not be the case,” he said.
The historian and human rights advocate expressed concern that many victims, who lost family members, homes and livelihoods, have received little or no support, leaving them vulnerable and, in some instances, destitute.
He stressed that the government has a responsibility to ensure justice and fairness by placing victims at the centre of its response to insurgency. According to him, many affected families remain displaced and lack the means to rebuild their lives, underscoring the need for urgent intervention.
Aborisade called for targeted measures, including housing support, livelihood assistance and educational opportunities for children orphaned by the conflict, noting that such interventions are critical to long-term recovery.
He warned that continued neglect of victims could deepen social grievances, adding that justice must be both timely and equitable.
The ADC aspirant, therefore, urged the Federal Government to rebalance its strategy by strengthening support systems for victims, while sustaining security efforts to prevent further attacks.
