By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) says the gruesome impact on lives and property by terrorising gangs attack on communities in Plateau State has added to the sad memories of the bombing incident at Tudun Biri, Kaduna State and by rampaging bandits in Zurmi, Zamfara State, both within just weeks apart.

A statement by Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba National Publicity Secretary on Wednesday, 27^thDecember 2023 said ACF is greatly saddened about the attack on 23^rdDecember 2023, tragically resulting in the death of over 100 persons with many injured.

The statement reads:

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.

Without downplaying worrisome incidents of insecurity elsewhere in the country, ACF wishes to draw attention to how such attacks serve as graphic reminders about the parlous state of security of citizens in Arewa communities and elsewhere in general.

The Forum condoles families of the victims and prays to God to grant the deceased eternal rest, as well as to fortify the faith of those left behind so they remain stoic and bear the losses with equanimity.

ACF equally prays for quick recovery for of the traumatised and injured.

As ACF reiterates its stance that every such incident is one too many. ACF therefore calls on the Government to

(1)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 should incorporates the active participation of community members.

(2)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.

(3)Roll out a containment and elimination strategies against the burgeoning incidents of banditry, terrorism, farmer-herder clashes, and all senseless killings, arson, etc.

(4)Provide immediate relief and compensation for victims, and arson banditry and terrorism.

(5)Empower community leaders, elders, clergy, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to embark on community dialogue for conflict resolution, reconciliation and cooperation.

Perhaps specifically for Plateau State, ACF calls on elders, traditional and community leaders, clergy, civil society organisations, etc., to intensify their conflict resolution efforts; just as citizens should avail the security agencies with credible information on the activities of insurgents and criminals.

No one needs resort to glorifying terrorists with ethno-religious garbs. The job is not for public security agents alone.

Clearly, our people regardless of ethnicity, religion and other identities are bleeding, a situation compounded by and existential economic challenges.

Such incidents, because of their human costs should not be used for grandstanding and bricksmanship.

While as always, reiterating uncompromising support for the Federal and State Governments, and the Armed Forces, DSS and other security National Security Agencies specifically, in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, ACF calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all security agencies under him to up the ante in the fight against any and all threats to the wellbeing of citizens and, ultimately, the nation.