THE AREWA CONSULTATIVE FORUM HAS CONDEMNED THE RECENT ATTACKS ON DEFENCELESS COMMUNITIES IN PLATEAU STATE, RESULTING IN SCORES OF DEATHS, INCLUDING CHILDREN.(PHOTO)..

 

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has voiced deep sorrow over the recent wave of terrifying attacks by terror groups on defenseless communities in Plateau State, which claimed numerous lives, including those of children, in a tragic escalation of violence.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF called on the Federal Government to fulfill its constitutional duty to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians. The forum stressed the urgent need to halt the recurring attacks and killings not only in Plateau State but also across the Northern region and other parts of the country.

The ACF urged the government to declare a state of security emergency in vulnerable, banditry-plagued areas and to implement robust early-warning and early-response mechanisms, involving local community members to prevent further bloodshed. "The killing spree on the Plateau must be stopped immediately, and peace must return to the State," the statement declared, emphasizing that each new attack is "one too many" for a population already burdened by severe economic hardships.

The forum demanded intensified efforts from security agencies to gather actionable intelligence, investigate the root causes of the latest violence, and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, including any enablers. Additionally, the ACF called for full compensation for victims’ families and comprehensive relief for those injured in the attacks.

Expressing solidarity with the affected communities, the ACF extended condolences to the people and government of Plateau State, mourning the loss of life and praying for the eternal rest of the deceased, strength for survivors, and swift recovery for the injured.

The forum also appealed to both federal and Plateau State authorities to empower community leaders, clergy, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to initiate dialogue aimed at conflict resolution, reconciliation, and cooperation. It encouraged citizens to provide security agencies with reliable information on insurgent and criminal activities and pressed members of the National Assembly to hold the government and security agencies accountable, demanding tangible evidence of efforts to end the terror plaguing citizens.