The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, urging political officeholders to focus on protecting citizens rather than the 2027 elections. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF expressed concern over the government's inaction on increasing attacks, killings, and abductions across the country. The forum described the situation as "utterly disheartening" and a threat to the country's existence.
The ACF criticized President Bola Tinubu's Independence Day address, saying the President made only a "single, fleeting mention" of insecurity. The statement noted that several children and citizens remained in terrorist captivity in Borno, Kwara, and other states, while attacks and abductions continued in Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Katsina, Kogi, and Kaduna states. According to the ACF, five separate attacks were recorded in Zamfara State on a single day recently, resulting in deaths, abductions, and destruction of property.
The forum raised concerns over the reported abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members traveling to their orientation camp in Imo State. The ACF asked the Federal Government to explain how much more violence Nigerians must endure before decisive action was taken. It queried when political officeholders would prioritize security over political election or re-election concerns. The forum urged the government to redirect attention from electioneering to tackling insecurity.
The ACF warned that time was running out and that electioneering campaigns must give way to action on insecurity. The forum insisted that now was the time to stop the politics and end the killings. The latest call by the ACF comes amid continuing reports of kidnappings, killings, and armed attacks in several parts of the country, particularly in parts of the North and other conflict-affected areas.
The ACF has repeatedly called for stronger action to protect communities and restore security. The forum described the government's apparent neglect and inaction as a threat to the country's existence. The situation has led to armed non-state actors having free rein to attack communities, disrupt livelihoods, and hold citizens captive.
According to the ACF, attacks occur at different locations in Zamfara State almost daily, as if the state has become a killing field. The forum asked the government to take urgent action to protect Nigerians. The ACF's statement reflects growing concerns over the government's handling of insecurity in the country.
The Arewa Consultative Forum's call for action highlights the need for the government to prioritize security over politics. The forum's concerns are shared by many Nigerians who are affected by the ongoing violence and insecurity. The government's response to the ACF's call remains to be seen.
Key points
- The Arewa Consultative Forum urges the Federal Government to prioritize security over politics.
- The forum criticizes President Bola Tinubu's Independence Day address for not adequately addressing insecurity.
- The ACF warns that time is running out for the government to take action on insecurity.
