The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed sadness over the attacks on communities in Plateau State, which tragically resulted in the death of over 100 persons with many others sustaining various degrees of injuries.
ACF averred that in terms of their gruesome impact on lives and property, the attack adds to sad memories of the bombing incident at Tudun Biri, Kaduna State and, by rampaging bandits in Zurmi, Zamfara State, both within just weeks apart.
While mourning the dead, the forum also commiserated with the injured and condoled with families of the victims and prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and fortify the faith of those left behind so that they remain stoic and bear the losses with equanimity and quick recovery for the traumatised and injured.
According to a statement issued by the national publicity secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, without downplaying worrisome incidents of insecurity elsewhere in the country, ACF drew attention to how such attacks serve as graphic reminders about the parlous state of security of citizens in Arewa communities and elsewhere in general, while reiterating its stance that every such incident is one too many.
“ACF therefore calls on the Government to declare a state of security emergency in all vulnerable and banditry-prone communities and follow up with comprehensive early-warning and early-response strategies that also incorporates the active participation of community members.
“Intensify efforts in intelligence by all security agencies, including the armed forces, the Department of Security Service (DSS), the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), etc. in gathering actionable information to identify, arrest and prosecute perpetrators (and their enablers) of communal conflicts and insecurity.
Roll out a containment and elimination strategies against the burgeoning incidents of banditry, terrorism, farmer-herder clashes, and all senseless killings, arson, etc and provide immediate relief and compensation for victims,’’ it said.
