Northern group condemns government’s inability to tame insecurity

The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has said that with the spate of kidnappings and killings across the country, Nigerians no longer have faith in the ability of the government to protect their lives and property.

The forum described the wave of killings and attacks on innocent persons, especially in the northern parts of the country, as a sad development.

In a statement by AYF’s National President, Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, the forum condemned the government’s inability to find lasting solutions the menace ravaging the country.

Gujungu said: “Reports from across the country has shown that Nigerians in their hundreds have lost their lives, their homes and means of livelihood to marauding bandits and we are worried that government is yet to find any solution to this abnormality.

“From Zamfara to Katsina, Sokoto to Kaduna the story is always the same. Many are now resorting to self-help because government has arguably failed in its primary responsibility of protecting the lives of its citizens.

“Reports of people selling properties in Zamfara and lining up to buy amulets that will protect them in their own communities is a sign that all is not well. But what is government doing about this? We are yet to see.

“This is in addition to the new wave of kidnappings visited on innocent travellers along Kaduna-Abuja road. Before now, reports were that many of the attacks took place during the odd hours of the night and early morning hours. But recently, especially within this week, these people have become so daring that they operate, kidnap and even kill fellow citizens at will. This is unacceptable in a decent society.

“The Arewa Youth Forum is worried that in spite of all these developments, government and the security agencies are carrying on as if nothing is amiss. We have clearly come to the conclusion that this government lacks the political will to tackle the state of insecurity across the country.”

He called on the Federal Government to immediately put in place measures that would bring the menace to an end. “AYF believes that our security agencies have what it takes to do this and we are asking those in charge to give the necessary political will,” he added.