Introduction

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised alarm over the sharp rise in insecurity across Nigeria, arguing that the federal government's response remains insufficient. With communities under siege and political leaders seemingly focused on upcoming elections, the group demands a fundamental shift in priorities.

What Happened

ACF cited a series of violent incidents across five states, specifically Zamfara, Benue, Katsina, Kogi, and Niger, with coordinated attacks, abductions, and the displacement of families. The group also highlighted the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State, as well as daily assaults in Zamfara where five separate attacks occurred in a single day, resulting in deaths and mass abductions. Additional reports from Plateau and Taraba states describe sporadic killings and destruction on the Mambila Plateau.

  • Zamfara State: Five attacks in one day, lives lost, scores abducted, property looted.
  • Daily assaults: Zamfara described as becoming a killing field with attacks occurring almost every day.
  • Plateau and Taraba States: Sporadic armed attacks, injuries, deaths, and property destruction, including the Mambila Plateau region.
  • Imo State: Abduction of prospective NYSC members.

Why This Matters

The forum warns that when political office holders prioritize electioneering over governance, the consequences are dire. ACF criticized President Bola Tinubu's Independence Day address for mentioning insecurity only in passing, noting that scores of children remain in terrorist captivity while daily attacks continue. The group argues that protecting citizens must supersede political campaigning.

Key concerns include the government's apparent inadequacy in addressing root causes, the growing sense that Nigeria is becoming a theater of daily violence, and the risk that elected officials' focus on 2027 campaigns undermines public safety.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arewa Consultative Forum has declared that every new incident of insecurity should be treated as one too many.
  • Political activities must give way to concrete action to end killings and protect communities.
  • President Tinubu's recent address received criticism for offering only a fleeting mention of the crisis.
  • States such as Zamfara, Plateau, and Taraba face escalating violence with little apparent resolution.
  • ACF urges a reorientation of national priorities toward citizen security above all else.

Conclusion

As Nigeria grapples with rising insecurity, the Arewa Consultative Forum's warning serves as an urgent call for leadership to refocus on citizen protection. Without a decisive shift from electioneering to action, the risk of further loss of life and instability grows. The group's stance underscores that safeguarding lives must remain the nation's top priority, above all political considerations.