ACF Sounds Alarm: Insecurity Endangers Northerners’ Way of Life

Northern Nigeria on Brink of Collapse: ACF Warns of Existential Threat.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has sounded the alarm on the escalating insecurity in Northern Nigeria, cautioning that the region’s very existence is under threat. Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Dalhatu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed deep concerns during a solidarity visit to Maiduguri following the recent flood disaster in Borno State.

The Dire Situation

Dalhatu painted a grim picture of the North’s predicament, highlighting:

– Insurgency in the North East
– Banditry in the North West
– Social challenges in the North Central region
– Farmers unable to access their lands, leading to food scarcity
– Millions of out-of-school children
– Rampant Almajiri and begging

He emphasized that the situation demands urgent attention, warning that inaction could deepen the crisis and threaten the region’s future. “Ten years ago, there was no single bandit in the North West; today, most states in the region are grappling with banditry,” Dalhatu noted.

ACF’s Call to Action

The ACF chairman stressed the need for drastic measures, citing the failure of past efforts to curb insurgency. “We need to think differently,” he said, announcing that the ACF has assembled experts to develop new strategies. These findings will be presented to the 19 northern state governors and subsequently to the federal government for decisive action.

A Glimmer of Hope

Dalhatu assured that this time, the ACF is committed to ensuring effective and sustainable solutions. “We are hopeful that, Insha Allah, the actions we propose will be far more effective. With determination and the right approach, we believe we can bring an end to these pressing challenges,” he concluded.