From news of violent crimes to bombings, aggravated assaults, robberies, kidnapping, coupled with other crime activities in some states, it came as no surprise when the Global Peace Index 2016, ranked Nigeria as the 15th least peaceful country in the world, and 40th out of the 44 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Undoubtedly, every Nigerian craves for a city out of the 36 states of the federation where there is peace and tranquillity. While residents in some region boast of sleeping with both eyes closed, getting a perfect place to reside sounds like a dream for some citizens of our dear country.
Recall, sometimes last year, the United States warned its citizens against travelling to some Nigerian states. However, there are some cities in Nigeria which are really safe to visit due to high security measures provided by the state governments.
Not in chronological order, here is a list of top 10 peaceful cities in Nigeria
1. Makurdi (Benue State)
Makurdi is the capital of Benue and it remains a thriving hub of peace and progress for residents. . Most of its residents are into farming, little wonder Benue state has the slogan “food basket of the Nation” and they are known to grow subsistence crops that sustain many people in Nigeria. On rare occasion will one get reports of killings, political violence, among other social vices in Makurdi. Whatever the yardstick, Makurdi remains one of the peaceful cities in Nigeria.
2. Calabar (Cross Rivers State)
Calabar, the capital of the Cross Rivers made the list thanks to pro-active security measures of Governor Ben Ayade’s, which has ensured peace and stability in Cross River State.
Last year, Governor Ben Ayade embarked on a comprehensive security measures to protect lives and property in the state with the establishment of the Homeland Security and the donation of 160 operational vehicles to the different security agencies, including Operation Skolombo.
Little wonder, the Canadian and American government identified the state as one of the safest in the country. Despite this recognition, the state government is keen to sustain the momentum, as security is essential to the economic prosperity of the state.
3. Ibadan (Oyo State)
In a conversation with Oladeji Oluwaseyi, popularly known as “baba Ibadan” having spent over 29 years in city, is Ibadan a safe city? He was swift to respond “which other city is as
safe as Ibadan?” Ibadan in Oyo state is a city with many pedigree and credentials, peace being among them.
Apart from the state’s security unit, it has effective local vigilant grounds that ensure that the inhabitants have no reason to fear for their safety and properties.
4. Owerri (Imo State)
Safety has become the priority of Imo State’s government as they have directed the development of the city towards economic expansion and crime reduction.
You will agree with me that the city of Owerri rarely features in any Nigerian newspaper for religious crisis or other crime related activities. One can safely say Owerri is one of the safest and peaceful cities in Nigeria.
One thing awaits you when you visit the city of Owerri- quality warmth from the local people who treat every stranger and tourist like a member of family.
5. Uyo
The city of Uyo is located in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The safety of the residents is taken care of by the huge amount of budget that is set in tackling crime, equipping the police and soldiers in order to ensure safety and peace. On top of that, Uyo is blessed with scenic attractions, beautiful hotels and unique cuisine.
6. Osogbo
Osogbo, the city of lonely lights is one of the least known cities in Nigeria. Though, dry in business activities and dull for pleasure seekers, it bears the label of city solely because it is the capital of one of Nigeria’s 36 states—Osun.
Politically advantaged as the capital of Osun, safer, given the violence that Ife used to be known for, and, most especially, with a more efficient power supply.
The city of Osogbo remains one of the safest in Nigeria
7. Awka (Anambra State)
The city boasts of one of the best serving Governors in Nigeria. When Chief Wille Obiano came on board as the executive governor of Anambra State in 2014 and having studied the security in the state, he resolved and determined to form a government that was professionally and intellectually balanced to be role model in Nigeria on the area of security of lives and properties of the citizenry.
He provided series of patrol vans, communication gadgets, armoured personnel carriers, 25 units of U.S style patrol smart cars, and ammunitions among scores of security enhancing materials
Currently, Anambra is one of the safest and secured state in Nigeria.
8. Akure
Akure is the capital city of Ondo State and has tight security measures due to it being one of the most important cities in Nigeria. It has many first class schools and hospitals that run efficiently and is a wonderful place for foreigners.
9. Abuja
Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria is known for its well-designed buildings and clean environment. It the abode of the president and every law maker and high profile politicians in the country, which has provided the city with well-structured security measures and mobile police men who are seen all over the city.
Abuja is generally safe, but as with any city, caution is needed.
10. Abeokuta
The capital of Ogun State; Abeokuta makes the list for its serene environment, low cost of living and adequate health facility present in the state.
Governor Ibikunle Amosun led-administration has equipped the taskforce and other security agencies in the state with modern facilities to combat crimes and other related activities thus making the city safe for residents.
One might be quick to question the exclusion of some cities like Ekiti, Lagos, among others. it is pertinent to note that the list of safe cities were derived at using low crime rate, political violence, little or no ethno-religious crisis among other social vices as a yardstick.