The Kebbi Development Forum (KDF) has condoled with the families of the 35 victims of recent terror attacks in eight communities of Arewa Local Government Area of the state.
In a condolence message signed by the Chairman of the KDF Executive Council, Dr Saidu Abubakar Illo, the forum described the
attack as “barbaric, cowardly, and deserving of the strongest condemnation.”
The forum extends its condolences to the Kebbi State Government and the Argungu Emirate Council over this unfortunate incident.
It also conveys its heartfelt sympathy to the victims of similar bandit attacks recently reported in Shanga, Ngaski, and Yauri Local Government Areas.
The forum “strongly condemns the threats issued by bandits to communities in Besse, Zaria Kala Kala, and Utono in Koko/Besse and Ngaski Local Government Areas, where these criminal elements reportedly move freely, preaching and coercing residents into submission.”
It urged the relevant authorities to take urgent and decisive action as failure to address the situation promptly may heighten tensions within affected communities and create conditions that could prove even more difficult to manage.
“While appreciating the response of the Kebbi State Government and other relevant security agencies to these unfortunate developments and the efforts made towards containing the violence and restoring normalcy in the affected communities, the Forum calls for a more decentralized response mechanism where local authorities/ communities are effectively mobilized and utilized to swiftly handle such challenges, a feat that can better be achieved through a more united and purposeful collaboration among all stakeholders,” the forum said.
It added that, “Treating security challenges as the sole responsibility of the federal or state government is no longer sufficient, given the scale and complexity of the situation.”
The forum said, “Local institutions, including traditional and local government authorities, must be strengthened and empowered, not only to provide timely relief, but also to actively support and coordinate community-based efforts aimed at enhancing safety and resilience.”
The forum also urged the federal government and the international community, especially the countries sharing the same borders with Nigeria to join hands in flushing out these criminals and terrorists as what they are doing are clear crimes against humanity.
