Northern Groups Issue Stern Warning Over Escalating Insecurity and Foreign Influence
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has raised a critical alarm regarding the escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria, issuing a stark warning against attempts to exploit ethnic and religious divisions as well as the growing involvement of foreign actors. In a statement released on Tuesday, the group strongly condemned recent brutal attacks in Plateau State and Kaduna State, describing them as inhumane and a grave assault on humanity.
Recent Attacks Highlight Deepening Crisis
The CNG cited specific incidents that underscore the severity of the situation. In Anguwan Rukuba, located within Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, at least 14 people were killed in a targeted assault. Additionally, in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, an attack on a wedding gathering resulted in the reported deaths of 13 individuals and the abduction of several others. These events, according to the group, represent a deliberate targeting of civilians that must be universally condemned.
Concerns Over Retaliatory Actions and Community Divisions
Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the National Coordinator of CNG, expressed deep disturbance over reports of retaliatory actions by some youths in Plateau State. He cautioned that such reprisals, along with mob violence and identity-based profiling, could further inflame tensions and deepen societal divisions. Charanchi emphasized that these responses only play into the hands of those seeking to destabilize communities, urging restraint from religious leaders, community influencers, and opinion shapers to avoid inflammatory statements that might worsen the crisis.
Warning Against Foreign Interference and Non-State Actors
The coalition further raised alarms about the activities of foreign interlopers and non-state actors, alleging that these elements are exploiting existing fault lines to advance destabilizing agendas. Charanchi highlighted that such actors thrive in environments of chaos and division, stressing an urgent need for vigilance against attempts to manipulate local conflicts for broader destabilization. This warning underscores the complex interplay between internal security challenges and external influences in the region.
Calls for Government Action and Security Reforms
In response to the ongoing insecurity, the CNG called on both federal and state governments to decisively fulfill their primary responsibility of protecting lives and property. The group pointed out that the recurrence of attacks highlights significant gaps in intelligence, response coordination, and proactive security measures. They urged a shift from reactive deployments to implementing sustainable strategies that address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequalities.
Security agencies were also urged to ensure the swift apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators to restore public confidence through visible, effective, and accountable operations. The CNG stands in solidarity with victims and their families, calling on all citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and united against forces that seek to divide and weaken society. The group emphasized that northern Nigeria must not be allowed to descend into a cycle of violence fueled by fear, suspicion, and manipulation, advocating for a collective effort to tackle these broader security challenges with unity and purpose.
