The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on security.
This was contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday.
The statement expressed deep sorrow about the attack by terrorizing gangs on communities in Plateau State on December 23, 2023, tragically resulting in the death of over 100 persons with many injured.
It added that, in terms of their gruesome impact on lives and property, the attack adds to sad memories of the bombing incident at Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, and the rampage by bandits in Zurmi, Zamfara State, both within just weeks apart.
ACF mourns the deceased and commiserates with the injured. The Forum condoles with families of the victims and prays to God to grant the deceased eternal rest, as well as to fortify the faith of those left behind so they remain stoic and bear the losses with equanimity. ACF equally prays for the quick recovery of the traumatized and injured.
Without downplaying worrisome incidents of insecurity elsewhere in the country, ACF wishes to draw attention to how such attacks serve as graphic reminders of the parlous state of security of citizens in Arewa communities and elsewhere in general. ACF reiterates its stance that every such incident is one too many.
Therefore, ACF calls on the government to declare a state of security emergency in all vulnerable and banditry-prone communities and follow up with comprehensive early-warning and early-response strategies that incorporate community members’ active participation.
Intensify efforts in intelligence by all security agencies, including the armed forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), etc., in gathering actionable information to identify, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators (and their enablers) of communal conflicts and insecurity.
Roll out containment and elimination strategies against the burgeoning incidents of banditry, terrorism, farmer-herder clashes, and all senseless killings, arson, etc.
Provide immediate relief and compensation for victims of arson, banditry, and terrorism.
Empower community leaders, elders, clergy, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to embark on community dialogue for conflict resolution, reconciliation, and cooperation.
Perhaps specifically for Plateau State, ACF calls on elders, traditional and community leaders, clergy, civil society organizations, etc., to intensify their conflict resolution efforts, just as citizens should provide security agencies with credible information on the activities of insurgents and criminals. No one needs to resort to glorifying terrorists with ethno-religious garbs. The job is not for public security agents alone.
Clearly, our people, regardless of ethnicity, religion, and other identities, are bleeding, a situation compounded by existential economic challenges. Such incidents, because of their human costs, should not be used for grandstanding and brinksmanship.
While always reiterating uncompromising support for the Federal and State Governments, and the Armed Forces, DSS, and other national security agencies, specifically in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, ACF calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all security agencies under him to up the ante in the fight against any and all threats to the well-being of citizens and, ultimately, the nation.
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