The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has warned the Federal Government to prioritise security over politics amid continued killings and abductions across the country.
In a statement on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the forum accused political office holders of paying more attention to the 2027 elections than to the security and welfare of citizens.
ACF said attacks, killings, abductions and destruction of livelihoods by armed groups posed an existential threat to Nigeria, accusing government of “apparent benign neglect and inaction.”
“Without equivocation ACF insists that now is the time to stop the politics and end the killings,” the forum said.
The forum cited recent attacks in Zamfara State where it said five separate incidents were recorded in one day with deaths, abductions and looting, noting that “on an almost daily basis, the attacks occur at different locations in Zamfara State, as if the state has become a killing field.”
It said attacks and killings have continued in Plateau and Taraba states, while similar incidents have been reported in Benue, Niger, Katsina and Kogi states.
ACF also expressed concern over abductions in Chikun Local Government Area and around Kaduna metropolis, and the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling to orientation camp in Imo State.
It noted that scores of children were still being held by terrorists in Borno, Kwara and other states under horrendous conditions.
The forum also faulted President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address, saying it made only a “single, fleeting mention” of insecurity.
“Every new incident of insecurity should be one too many. As time is fast running out, electioneering campaigns must give way to action over insecurity,” it said.
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