The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep sorrow over the recent attacks by terror gangs on vulnerable communities in Plateau, which claimed numerous lives, including those of children.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tanko Baba, the forum described the March 28, 2025 attacks as disheartening and frightening.
According to it, they have further compounded the grim statistics of deaths, injuries, and destruction caused by ongoing terror and banditry in recent years.
The ACF extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the affected communities, and the Government and people of Plateau, while strongly condemning the heinous acts.
The forum called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of security emergency in vulnerable and banditry-prone communities.
It also urged the adoption of early warning and early response mechanisms that actively involve community members.
Additionally, the forum urged intensified intelligence gathering and deployment by security agencies.
This is to uncover the root causes of the latest violence, identify and prosecute perpetrators and their enablers, and ensure justice is served.
It also called for full compensation for families of the deceased and relief support for the injured.
The forum tasked both the Federal and Plateau Governments with empowering traditional rulers, elders, religious leaders, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to drive community dialogue, conflict resolution, and reconciliation.
The ACF appealed to the citizens to support the security agencies with credible intelligence on insurgent and criminal activities.
It urged the members of the National Assembly to demand accountability from the Federal Government and security agencies on efforts to end the violence.
While reaffirming its support for the Federal Government, Plateau Government, and the security agencies, ACF called for renewed vigour and decisive action to protect the lives and well-being of all Nigerians.
