Killings: ACF warns FG to prioritise security over politics

Arewa Consultative Forum has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the worsening insecurity in the country, urging political officeholders to stop focusing on the 2027 elections and take urgent action to protect Nigerians.

The ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, on Thursday, expressed concern over what it described as the government’s “apparent benign neglect and inaction” over the increasing attacks, killings and abductions across the country.

The forum said armed non-state actors were having free rein to attack communities, disrupt livelihoods and hold citizens captive, while politicians appeared increasingly preoccupied with the 2027 elections.

“Delivering governance has become a far distant priority,” the ACF said, describing the situation as “utterly disheartening” and a threat to the country’s existence.

The group also criticised 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 other 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.#

It added that “on an almost daily basis, the attacks occur at different locations in Zamfara State, as if the state has become a killing field.”

The forum also raised concerns over the reported abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling to their orientation camp in Imo State.

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The ACF asked the Federal Government to explain how much more violence Nigerians must endure before decisive action was taken.

It queried, “How much more senseless violence, abductions and bloodshed need to be experienced to elicit appropriate action from those responsible for the protection, security, wellbeing and welfare of citizens?”

The forum further asked when political officeholders would “prioritise security over political election or re-election concerns.”

It urged the government to redirect attention from electioneering to tackling insecurity, warning that time was running out.

“Electioneering campaigns must give way to action on insecurity.

“Without equivocation, ACF insists that now is the time to stop the politics and end the killings” the statement stated.

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 forum has repeatedly called for stronger action to protect communities and restore security.