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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Foremost Northern mouthpiece, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the recent wave of deadly attacks in Borno State, Plateau State, and several other parts of the country, warning that Nigeria is facing a serious threat of descending into anarchy if urgent action is not taken.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction caused by the attacks.
“The time for decisive action is now,” the statement said, warning that continued inaction or inadequate response could push the country toward “a catastrophic and dangerous slide into avoidable widespread anarchy.”
“For the umpteenth time, ACF regrets that such attacks could be carried out so brazenly. Doubtless, the attacks are rude reminders that the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria has been ineffective and not reassuring, given the display of crude capacity to wreck misery on hapless communities”. The statement said.
The ACF specifically referenced a bomb explosion in Maiduguri on March 16, which resulted in multiple deaths, injuries, and widespread trauma among residents.
The forum noted that the incident followed earlier attacks on military formations in the state, where soldiers were killed and critical facilities destroyed and looted.
It also highlighted recent violent attacks in Plateau State, including assaults on communities and the killing of military personnel, as well as similar incidents previously recorded in Katsina State, Kwara State, Niger State, and Zamfara State.
According to the forum, the recurring attacks have led to significant loss of lives and property, disrupted livelihoods, and worsened social tensions across affected communities.
The ACF described the pattern of violence as indicative of a coordinated strategy by terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and other extremist elements, aimed at destabilizing communities and undermining security efforts.
The forum said it was “gravely worried and disheartened” by the persistence of such attacks, noting that the situation reflects the ineffectiveness of current counter-terrorism efforts.
While acknowledging efforts by federal and state authorities, the ACF stressed that more decisive action is needed.
It called for a comprehensive overhaul of national security strategies, urging the government to demonstrate stronger political will and intensify military operations against insurgents and criminal groups.
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The forum also cautioned against excessive politicization of security issues, urging leaders to prioritize the protection of lives and property over political considerations.
ACF extended its condolences to victims, affected communities, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the government, while calling for renewed commitment to tackling insecurity across the country.
The statement added, “The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is gravely saddened to receive the recent highly disturbing news of a tragic insecurity incidents at Borno and Plateau states. Earlier, similar attacks in Katsina, Kwara, Niger, Zamfara and other states had also been recorded.
“ACF remains gravely worried and disheartened, almost to the point of despair, about such occurrences. It is most counterintuitive that our communities continue to experience these incidents as they fester unabated.
“The totality of the sordid incidents suggests a coordinated strategy by extremist terror merchants intent on disrupting the semblance of normality that communities have been managing.
“The cowardly attacks have remained hallmarks of tactics employed by Boko Haram, religious extremists, insurgents and criminals, as even they themselves are wont to admit and brag about.
“While not unmindful of efforts from relevant Federal and state agencies to the tragedy but warns that a lot more needs to be done. More doubling down on the efforts to exterminate the insecurity, extremism and “banditry” scourge is clearly indicated and less on politicking”.
