The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has voiced deep concern and sorrow over the recent wave of violent attacks on innocent civilians in Plateau State, describing the killings—many involving women and children—as both heartbreaking and unacceptable.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the influential northern socio-political group called on the Federal Government to urgently fulfill its constitutional mandate to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians, especially in areas plagued by banditry and insurgency.
The Forum called for the declaration of a security emergency in vulnerable communities, with robust early-warning and rapid-response systems involving active participation from local populations.
“ACF reiterates its long-standing stance that every new such experience is one too many. Clearly, the people are in great pain, with their situation compounded by existential economic challenges. The killing spree on the Plateau must be stopped immediately, and peace must return to the State,” the statement read.
To prevent future bloodshed, the ACF urged security agencies to prioritize gathering and acting on reliable intelligence, and to go after both those who commit and those who facilitate such heinous crimes.
In addition, the Forum called for adequate compensation for families affected by the violence and immediate support for those injured in the attacks.
“ACF deeply mourns the dead and unequivocally condemns the attacks. The Forum particularly extends sympathy and condolence to the affected communities, the Government, and the people of Plateau State,” the group stated.
“The Forum identifies with the deep pains of families of the victims, prays to God to grant the deceased eternal rest, for surviving victims to be fortified with strength to bear the losses and for quick return to full health for all who suffered injuries.”
The ACF also emphasized the importance of empowering local leaders—including elders, traditional rulers, clerics, civil society groups, and other stakeholders—to engage in meaningful dialogue and reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring trust and fostering long-term peace.
Finally, the Forum encouraged citizens to report criminal activities and urged lawmakers to hold both the Federal Government and security agencies accountable.
“Citizens should avail the security agencies with credible information on the activities of insurgents and criminals; and members of the National Assembly to do more to hold the FGN and the national security agencies to account and to demand concrete evidence of a firm resolve to exterminate the current terror on citizens,” the statement concluded.
