The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has issued a fresh warning to President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the continued killings, kidnappings and armed attacks across Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to make the protection of lives and property its immediate priority.
The northern socio-cultural organisation expressed concern that insecurity was worsening in several states while political officeholders were increasingly focused on preparations for the 2027 general elections.
It called on the government to shift attention from political activities and take urgent steps to end the violence affecting communities across the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, the ACF, through its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, criticised what it described as the government’s “apparent benign neglect and inaction” in response to persistent attacks, abductions and killings.
The forum said armed groups continued to operate in different parts of the country, leaving residents exposed to danger, disrupting economic activities and forcing communities to live in fear.
It argued that the situation required immediate intervention from those entrusted with the responsibility of governing and securing the country.
“Delivering governance has become a far distant priority,” the ACF said, describing the situation as “utterly disheartening” and a threat to Nigeria’s continued existence.
The organisation warned that the growing attention being given to political calculations ahead of the next general election should not come at the expense of citizens’ safety.
It maintained that protecting Nigerians must remain a central responsibility of the government, regardless of the political season.
The ACF also faulted President Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day address, arguing that the President gave insufficient attention to the security crisis facing the country. According to the forum, insecurity received only a “single, fleeting mention” in the national broadcast, despite the continuing reports of killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities.
The group said the scale of the crisis demanded more than brief references in official speeches.
It called for concrete measures to prevent further attacks, rescue abducted citizens and restore confidence among Nigerians who fear for their safety.
The forum identified several states where residents have continued to face threats from armed groups.
They include Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Katsina, Kogi and Kaduna. It also expressed concern over the continued captivity of children and other citizens abducted in Borno, Kwara and other parts of the country.
Zamfara State featured prominently in the statement, with the ACF reporting that five separate attacks occurred there on a single day.
The incidents reportedly resulted in deaths, abductions and the destruction of property.
The organisation said the frequency of attacks in the state had become particularly alarming, with communities facing repeated incidents of violence.
“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 stated.
The ACF’s concerns extend beyond the North-West, where banditry and mass kidnappings have remained major security challenges.
The group also pointed to recurring attacks in Plateau and Taraba states, as well as violence and abductions in Benue, Niger and Katsina.
In Kaduna State, it raised concerns about reported kidnappings and ransom demands in Chikun Local Government Area and locations around the Kaduna metropolis.
The incidents, according to the forum, have added to the fear experienced by residents and communities in surrounding areas.
The organisation also highlighted the reported abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members who were travelling to their orientation camp in Imo State.
The incident raised further concerns about the safety of young Nigerians travelling for national service.
The ACF said the situation required the Federal Government to explain why attacks continued despite the security responsibilities of public officeholders.
It questioned how much more violence citizens must endure before those responsible for their protection take decisive action.
The forum asked, “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?”
It also challenged political leaders to explain when the safety of Nigerians would take precedence over their ambitions for the next election.
The organisation asked when political officeholders would “prioritise security over political election or re-election concerns.”
The ACF maintained that the government must not allow preparations for the 2027 general elections to overshadow its responsibility to address insecurity. It warned that the continued loss of lives and displacement of communities required urgent attention.
“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 forum called on the Federal Government to strengthen its response to attacks, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that citizens held by armed groups are not forgotten.
It also urged political leaders to demonstrate a stronger commitment to security through concrete action rather than promises.
