The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), on Tuesday, raises alarm over escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria, warning against attempts to exploit ethnic and religious divisions as well as the growing involvement of foreign actors.

The group condemned recent attacks in Plateau State and Kaduna State, describing them as brutal and inhumane. It cited the killing of at least 14 people in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, and another attack on a wedding gathering in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State, where 13 persons were reportedly killed and several others abducted.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG said the deliberate targeting of civilians represents a grave assault on humanity and must be condemned by all.

The group also raised alarm over reports of retaliatory actions by some youths in Plateau State, cautioning that reprisals, mob violence, and identity-based profiling could further inflame tensions and deepen divisions.

Charanchi said: “CNG is also disturbed by reports of retaliatory actions by some youths in Plateau, which further endanger innocent lives and risk igniting a cycle of violence. We caution strongly against reprisals, mob actions, or the profiling of individuals based on identity.

“Such responses only deepen divisions and play directly into the hands of those who seek to destabilize our communities. We reiterate that the attacks are part of the broader security challenges that have engulfed northern Nigeria in the last few years which we must work together to tackle with a unity of purpose.

He calls on religious leaders, community influencers, and opinion shapers to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory statements capable of worsening the situation.

The coalition further warned about the activities of foreign interlopers and non-state actors, alleging that such elements are exploiting existing fault lines to advance destabilizing agendas.

He said: “These elements thrive in environments of chaos and division, and there is an urgent need for vigilance against attempts to manipulate local conflicts for broader destabilization.

“We therefore urge both the federal and state governments to rise decisively to their primary responsibility of protecting lives and property. The continued recurrence of such attacks underscores gaps in intelligence, response coordination, and proactive security measures.

“The government must move beyond reactive deployments to implementing sustainable strategies that address the root causes of insecurity.

“Security agencies must ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice. Equally important is the need to restore public confidence through visible, effective, and accountable security operations.

“CNG stands in solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time and calls on all citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and united against forces that seek to divide and weaken our society. Northern Nigeria must not be allowed to descend into a cycle of violence fueled by fear, suspicion, and manipulation.” (The Guardian)

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