• Forum decries terrorists’ boldness
Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), yesterday, linked the recent rise in insecurity across the country to political activities ahead of the 2027 general polls, alleging a troubling pattern tied to election cycles.
 
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, insisted that the recurring surge in kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks as elections approach was no longer coincidental, but suggestive of a coordinated trend.
 
He argued that a review of previous election periods showed similar spikes in insecurity, raising concerns about what he described as deliberate attempts to create fear and destabilise the country.
 
According to him, such developments undermine public confidence and pose a serious threat to national stability if not urgently addressed.

Also, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has expressed concern over the alarming boldness of terrorists, who now operate with impunity across the federation. 
 
According to the group, the frequency, spread, and brutality of the attacks showed clearly that the situation is getting worse. 
 
In a statement yesterday, the group noted: “Nigerians are getting more unsafe, whether in rural villages or in major towns and cities.”