The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has issued a fresh warning to President Bola Tinubu's administration over the continued killings, kidnappings, and armed attacks across Nigeria. The northern socio-cultural organization expressed concern that insecurity was worsening in several states while political officeholders were increasingly focused on preparations for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Thursday, the ACF criticized what it described as the government's "apparent benign neglect and inaction" in response to persistent attacks, abductions, and killings. The forum said armed groups continued to operate in different parts of the country, leaving residents exposed to danger, disrupting economic activities, and forcing communities to live in fear.
The ACF called on the government to shift attention from political activities and take urgent steps to end the violence affecting communities across the country. It argued that the situation required immediate intervention from those entrusted with the responsibility of governing and securing the country. The organization described the situation as "utterly disheartening" and a threat to Nigeria's continued existence.
The ACF also faulted President Tinubu's October 1 Independence Day address, arguing that the President gave insufficient attention to the security crisis facing the country. According to the forum, insecurity received only a "single, fleeting mention" in the national broadcast, despite the continuing reports of killings, kidnappings, and attacks on communities.
The forum identified several states where residents have continued to face threats from armed groups, including Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Katsina, Kogi, and Kaduna. It also expressed concern over the continued captivity of children and other citizens abducted in Borno, Kwara, and other parts of the country. Zamfara State featured prominently in the statement, with the ACF reporting that five separate attacks occurred there on a single day.
The ACF questioned how much more violence citizens must endure before those responsible for their protection take decisive action. The organization asked when political officeholders would "prioritise security over political election or re-election concerns." It maintained that the government must not allow preparations for the 2027 general elections to overshadow its responsibility to address insecurity.
The ACF called on the Federal Government to strengthen its response to attacks, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that citizens held by armed groups are not forgotten. It also urged political leaders to demonstrate a stronger commitment to security through concrete action rather than promises. The organization insisted that now is the time to stop the politics and end the killings.
Key points
- The ACF urges the FG to prioritize security over 2027 election preparations.
- The organization criticizes the government's response to persistent attacks, abductions, and killings.
- The ACF identifies several states where residents face threats from armed groups, including Zamfara, Plateau, and Kaduna.
