ACF raises alarm over worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria

Says attacks, kidnapping, killings on the rise

Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna

The socio-cultural umbrella body of northern Nigeria, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria, lamenting the negative consequences of recurring terrorist attacks, kidnappings and killings across the region.

Chairman of the ACF, Mamman Osuman, SAN, made this known on Wednesday while addressing members in Kaduna, noting that the North has in recent times witnessed a surge in violent crimes, including terrorism and banditry.

Osuman urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to defeat terrorism and restore peace across the country.

“Our region continues to face grave difficulties — natural disasters, tragic loss of lives, and the harsh vicissitudes of daily existence,” he said.

He explained that terrorism, armed banditry, insurgency and kidnapping are on the rise in states such as Kwara, Southern Kaduna, Katsina, Benue and other parts of the North, describing the impact as devastating.

“The consequences have been severe, with families and entire communities violently uprooted and displaced,” Osuman said.

According to him, the displacement of people has resulted in overcrowded camps and informal settlements with limited access to basic services, thereby increasing the risks of malnutrition and mortality among affected populations.

Osuman further noted that repeated attacks and the prevailing climate of fear have disrupted education, leading to school closures in many communities.

 “Rural economies have been severely strained, travel has become unsafe, and access to farming, schooling and healthcare has been significantly discouraged,” he added.

He also observed that insecurity in the region has deepened to such an extent that external military assistance has been required in some instances.

Beyond security concerns, the ACF chairman urged Northern voters to prepare ahead of the 2027 general elections by electing leaders committed to the welfare of the masses and the overall development of the country.

“Our individual and collective approach must be sincere, genuine and purposeful, with the downtrodden people of our region and our country as our central focus,” he said.

He cautioned against political manoeuvres driven by selfish or narrow interests, warning that some emerging political groups are more focused on positioning for the 2027 elections than addressing pressing challenges such as insecurity, hunger, poverty and the growing number of out-of-school children.

“This election season has produced convoluted groups whose focus is not on insecurity, banditry or terrorism, but on strategies for political repositioning,” Osuman said.

He added that while some current elected and appointed leaders have supported the ACF’s programmes, many remain disconnected from the forum’s core aspirations.

“As our region approaches another national election cycle, the ACF must work with relevant authorities to ensure peaceful and credible elections,” he said. “We must also educate and enlighten our people on their civic responsibilities and the importance of obeying the laws of our fatherland.”