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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has described the worsening wave of killings in Southern Kaduna as evidence that Nigeria is facing an “undeclared war,” urging the Federal Government to adopt tougher security measures to halt the bloodshed.
Gunmen believed to be terrorist had penultimate Sunday attacked and killed 30 residents of Naridon community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“Nigeria is at war that we never bargained for. The earlier the government accepts this reality, the better for everybody. It is either the government shows character and commitment to winning this war against the enemies of the state or the country is allowed to be consumed by these evil forces,” NOSCEF said.
Reacting to the latest killings in Kauru Local Government Area, the forum said the attack was “one incident too many,” insisting that authorities must acknowledge the gravity of the country’s security crisis.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, NOSCEF questioned the government’s capacity to contain armed criminal groups operating across the North.
“This is one incident too many. The government should admit that the Nigerian state is at war,” Oibe said.
The group expressed concern over the continued attacks on communities, saying the situation had become increasingly difficult to comprehend.
“One cannot comprehend what is going on in Nigeria, especially in the North anymore. Are the bandits more powerful than the state?” he asked.
The forum called on the Federal Government to deploy modern technology and adopt more decisive measures to dismantle armed criminal networks responsible for repeated attacks.
“Why is it difficult for the Nigerian government to declare a state of emergency by using modern technology to root out these blood-sucking demons?” Oibe stated.
NOSCEF also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to strengthen community-based security initiatives if greater federal support is not forthcoming.
“We are calling on the Kaduna State Government, if the federal authorities are not willing, to empower the youths in every local government in Kaduna State to be able to face these criminals by chasing them out of the state,” the statement said.
The forum further urged Governor Uba Sani to work with his counterparts in Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kano states to establish a regional security alliance against criminal elements.
“We are begging Governor Uba Sani to engage his colleagues from Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kano to build a very strong but workable alliance on how to keep their states safe and secure from the activities of these criminal elements,” Oibe said.
The Christian elders maintained that the escalating violence required urgent and coordinated action, warning that insecurity would continue to spread if left unchecked.
“Enough is enough. Evil is thriving on a daily basis,” the statement added.
The forum also sympathised with families affected by the latest attack in Kauru.
“Our condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones. May they enjoy the comfort that comes from the Holy Spirit,” Oibe said.
Maintaining that Nigeria was confronting a security emergency, NOSCEF called on the government to demonstrate greater resolve in defeating armed groups threatening lives and communities across the country.
