The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent socio-political group in northern Nigeria, has made a strong appeal to the Federal Government following a series of devastating attacks in Plateau State. On December 27, 2023, the ACF condemned the terrorist attacks on 17 communities in the Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu Local Government Areas, which tragically resulted in over 160 deaths and numerous injuries.
These attacks add to a growing list of violent incidents in Nigeria, including recent bombings in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, and attacks by bandits in Zurmi, Zamfara State. In response to this surge in violence, the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, issued a statement from Kaduna, extending condolences to the families of the victims and urging the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in areas particularly vulnerable to banditry and terrorist activities.
The ACF’s call to action involves several key components. Firstly, they urge the government to ramp up intelligence efforts across all security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Department of Security Service, Nigeria Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The goal is to gather actionable intelligence to identify, arrest, and prosecute both the perpetrators and their enablers.
Secondly, the ACF advocates for the development and implementation of strategies to contain and eliminate the rising incidents of banditry, terrorism, farmer-herder clashes, and other forms of violence. They emphasize the importance of immediate relief and compensation for the victims of these attacks.
Furthermore, the ACF stresses the role of community leaders, elders, clergy, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders in initiating community dialogues for conflict resolution and reconciliation. They believe that such grassroots efforts can foster cooperation and lasting peace.
The ACF reaffirms its unwavering support for both the Federal and State Governments, as well as the Armed Forces and other national security agencies, in their fight against terrorism in Nigeria. They specifically call on President Bola Tinubu and all security agencies under his leadership to intensify their efforts against any threats to the safety and wellbeing of Nigerian citizens and the nation as a whole.
This situation in Plateau State and the ACF’s response highlight the complex and persistent challenges of insecurity in Nigeria. The call for a state of emergency reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need for a concerted, multifaceted approach to address the root causes of this violence and ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
