The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged the Federal Government and political office holders to prioritize the country's worsening insecurity over preparations for the 2027 elections. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF expressed concern over the continued attacks, killings, and abductions across several states. These incidents have become a serious threat to citizens, livelihoods, and communities. The forum accused political actors of paying greater attention to the forthcoming elections than the security crisis.
The ACF cited recent attacks in Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Katsina, and Kogi states, as well as reported abductions around Chikun Local Government Area and other areas bordering Kaduna metropolis. The forum also raised concerns over the reported abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members traveling through Imo State. According to reports, some of the victims were still being held as of the time of the ACF's statement. A recent report documented the October 1 abduction of about 20 prospective corps members traveling from Oyo to destinations in the South-East.
The ACF referred to the recent attack in Babban Saura, Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, where a man was reportedly killed while his wife, two children, and other residents were abducted. The forum questioned how much more violence, bloodshed, and abductions would be required before those responsible for protecting citizens took decisive action. The ACF emphasized that the situation required urgent attention and action from the government.
The ACF also criticized President Bola Tinubu's October 1 Independence Day address, arguing that insecurity received only limited attention in the speech. However, the official text of the address shows that Tinubu acknowledged insecurity among the challenges Nigeria had endured and expressed appreciation for the Armed Forces and security services. The ACF insisted that the government needed to do more to address the security crisis.
The ACF called on the government to act urgently against the growing attacks, saying every new incident of insecurity should be treated as one too many. The forum emphasized that the situation required political office holders to place security and the welfare of citizens ahead of electioneering. The ACF urged the government to take concrete actions to address the security crisis.
The ACF's National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, issued a statement on behalf of the forum, emphasizing the need for urgent action. The forum's statement reflects the growing concerns among Nigerians about the country's security situation. The ACF's call for action is a reminder of the government's responsibility to protect its citizens.
The ACF concluded by saying that electioneering campaigns must give way to action over insecurity. The forum insisted that now is the time to stop the politics and end the killings. The ACF's statement is a call to action for the government and political office holders to prioritize the security of Nigerian citizens.
Key points
- The Arewa Consultative Forum urges the Federal Government to prioritize insecurity over 2027 elections.
- The forum cites recent attacks in several states, including Zamfara, Plateau, and Kaduna.
- The ACF criticizes President Bola Tinubu's October 1 Independence Day address for limited attention to insecurity.
