ACF to FG, politicians: Stop politics, end killings

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the Federal Government and political office holders to prioritise the worsening insecurity in the country over preparations for the 2027 elections.

The forum said the continued attacks, killings and abductions across several states had become a serious threat to citizens, livelihoods and communities, accusing political actors of paying greater attention to the forthcoming elections than the security crisis.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF said armed non-state actors were increasingly operating with little restraint while communities were left exposed to violence.

The forum cited recent attacks in Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Katsina and Kogi states, as well as reported abductions around Chikun Local Government Area and other areas bordering Kaduna metropolis.

It also raised concerns over the reported abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling through Imo State, saying some of the victims were still being held as of the time of its statement. A recent report independently documented the October 1 abduction of about 20 prospective corps members travelling from Oyo to destinations in the South-East.

The ACF also referred to the recent attack in Babban Saura, Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, where a man was reportedly killed while his wife, two children and other residents were abducted.

The forum questioned how much more violence, bloodshed and abductions would be required before those responsible for protecting citizens took decisive action.

It also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day address, arguing that insecurity received only limited attention in the speech. However, the official text of the address shows that Tinubu acknowledged insecurity among the challenges Nigeria had endured and expressed appreciation for the Armed Forces and security services.

The ACF said the situation required political office holders to place security and the welfare of citizens ahead of electioneering.

“Electioneering campaigns must give way to action over insecurity,” the forum said.

The organisation called on the government to act urgently against the growing attacks, saying every new incident of insecurity should be treated as one too many.

“Without equivocation ACF insists that now is the time to stop the politics and end the killings,” it said.