The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has raised the alarm over the rising insecurity of communities and properties in the North.
NEF noted that the recent escalation of attacks by bandits, rustlers and insurgents had left the only conclusion that the people of the North were now completely at the mercy of armed gangs who roam towns and villages at will, wrecking havoc.
The convener, Northern Elders Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi, observed, “It would appear that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and governors have lost control over the imperatives of protecting people of the North, a constitutional duty that they swore to uphold.
“The situation is getting worse literally by the day. Bandits and insurgents appear to sense a huge vacuum in political will and capacity which they exploit with disastrous consequences on communities and individuals.”
The statement explained that it was no exaggeration to say that the people of the North had never experienced this level of exposure to criminals who attack, kill, maim, rape, kidnap, burn villages and rustle cattle, while President Buhari issues threats and promises that have no effect.
“The situation under which our communities from Kogi to Borno States, from Sokoto to Taraba States live is no longer tolerable. As a responsible body, the Forum has joined millions of others in prayers and in giving advise and encouragement to all authorities that have responsibility to protect our communities.
“It is now time to say, enough is enough. Our people are known for their patience and respect for constituted authorities, but all governments must be aware by now that all Northerners have been pushed to the wall,” the forum said
The forum said that it was aware that some citizens were contemplating peaceful protests, which were their constitutional rights, to draw attention of President Buhari and all levels of authority to the plight of people of the North.
