By GARBA MUHAMMAD

The Arewa for Peace, Unity, Cohesion and Development Initiative (ACI) has called on stakeholders across Northern Nigeria to set aside political, ethnic and religious differences and unite to tackle the region's worsening security challenges.

The Director General of ACI, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, made the call on Wednesday, 5th August, 2026, while delivering his welcome address at the Arewa Awareness Summit on Unity Against Insecurity held at Arewa House, Kaduna.

Speaking on the theme, "Unity, Cooperation and Collective Action Against Insecurity," Idris said the region could no longer afford division in the face of persistent insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.

He said the summit was convened to forge a new path for Northern Nigeria through collective action, describing the slogan "One North, One Voice" as a necessity for peace and sustainable development.

"For too long, our region has bled under the shadows of insurgency, banditry and kidnapping. We can no longer afford the paralysis of finger-pointing or the comfort of silence," he said.

According to him, the gathering aims to transform discussions into practical solutions by promoting honest dialogue between communities and government, while addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty and the erosion of traditional values.

The ACI Director General urged traditional and religious leaders to champion reconciliation efforts, while calling on young people and women to play active roles in restoring peace across the region.

He also stressed the need for participants to move beyond speeches by developing a regional Peace and Security Framework that would guide coordinated action against insecurity.

Idris pledged that the outcomes of the summit would be sustained through quarterly dialogue sessions and the establishment of a network of Community Peace and Youth Ambassadors to promote peace at the grassroots.

He expressed optimism that with unity and determination, Northern Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and build a future where communities live in peace and prosperity.

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