The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the worsening security situation across Nigeria, warning that the growing focus on the 2027 general elections is diverting attention from the protection of citizens.
The forum expressed concern over persistent attacks, killings, abductions and the destruction of livelihoods by armed groups, describing the situation as an existential threat to the country.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the ACF accused political office holders of paying greater attention to electioneering and re-election ambitions than the security and welfare of Nigerians.
The forum also criticised what it described as the government’s apparent inaction, arguing that armed non-state actors continued to wreak havoc on communities across the country.
“Without equivocation ACF insists that now is the time to stop the politics and end the killings,” the statement said.
ACF Raises Alarm Over Abductions, Killings
The forum expressed particular concern over the continued abduction of citizens, including children reportedly being held by terrorists in Borno, Kwara and other states.
It said many victims remained in captivity under what it described as horrendous conditions, urging the authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.
The ACF also cited recent attacks in Zamfara State, where it said five separate incidents were recorded in one day, resulting in deaths, abductions and the looting of property.
According to the forum, killings and attacks have also continued in Plateau and Taraba states, while similar incidents have been reported in Benue, Niger, Katsina and Kogi states.
It further raised concerns over increasing cases of abductions, killings and ransom demands in Chikun Local Government Area and other communities in and around Kaduna metropolis.
The organisation also highlighted the reported abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling to their orientation camp in Imo State, saying they were still being held at the time the statement was issued.
The ACF maintained that the incidents mentioned represented only a fraction of the security challenges confronting communities nationwide.
It questioned how much more violence, bloodshed and abductions Nigerians must endure before those responsible for their protection take decisive action.
Forum Faults Political Preoccupation Ahead of 2027
The ACF criticised what it described as the growing preoccupation of elected officials and other politically exposed persons with the 2027 general elections.
It argued that governance and the protection of lives and property must take precedence over political campaigns and concerns about re-election.
The forum also faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence Anniversary address, saying it made only a fleeting reference to insecurity despite the scale of the crisis confronting the country.
It urged the Federal Government to redirect its attention towards tackling insecurity and ensuring that affected communities receive adequate protection.
The ACF warned that every new incident of violence should be treated as one too many, insisting that political considerations must not overshadow the government’s responsibility to protect citizens.
“As time is fast running out, electioneering campaigns must give way to action over insecurity,” the forum said.
The organisation reiterated its call for urgent and decisive measures to restore security, protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods across Nigeria.
