The Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Dalhatu, has voiced urgent concerns regarding the escalating insecurity in Northern Nigeria, describing it as a serious threat to the region’s very existence. His remarks came during a recent visit to Maiduguri, where he led a delegation to sympathize with the people affected by devastating floods in Borno State.
Dalhatu painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs in Northern Nigeria. He emphasized that the region faces multiple crises, including rampant insurgency in the Northeast, widespread banditry in the Northwest, and various social challenges plaguing the Central region. “Our position is further worsened by the insurgency and banditry that even stop our people from going to farm. We have many farmers that can’t access their farms, and we no longer produce the food we eat. We have millions of out-of-school children, and begging has become a serious social ill,” he explained.
These factors have resulted in a significant decline in agricultural productivity and an increase in poverty levels. As a consequence, many families are struggling to meet their basic needs, and the youth are falling prey to negative influences, leading to a cycle of violence and despair.
Dalhatu warned that if immediate action is not taken, the insecurity could deepen, further threatening the future of Northern Nigeria. “If nothing is done, this crisis can expand, grow, and threaten our own existence. Ten years ago, there was no single bandit in the Northwest, but today, most of the states in the Northwest have banditry situations,” he stated.
The rising tide of violence and insecurity is not just a local issue; it has broader implications for national stability and development. As insecurity continues to rise, it disrupts trade, displaces families, and erodes trust in government institutions.
The ACF chairman expressed concern about the potential for insecurity to worsen over the next five years. “We are frightened by the possibility that this can grow in the next five years. We don’t know what can happen to our existence in Northern Nigeria until very serious, urgent, positive, and definite action is directed squarely to bring these ills to an end as soon as possible,” he cautioned.
Despite efforts made over the last decade to combat insurgency and banditry, Dalhatu noted that these efforts have largely been ineffective. “Those actions taken so far in the last 15 years have apparently not been able to stop insurgency. Therefore, we need to think differently,” he emphasized.
In response to this ongoing crisis, the ACF has mobilized experts to develop new strategies aimed at addressing these challenges. Dalhatu assured the public that this time, their approach would be more effective. “You can be rest assured that this time around, Insha Allah, action that will be taken will be far more effective, and the necessary attitude will be instilled. Hopefully, we will see the end of these problems,” he concluded.
The situation in Northern Nigeria is dire, with insecurity threatening not only the livelihoods of millions but also the future of the region as a whole. As leaders and communities come together to address these challenges, there is hope that effective strategies can be implemented to restore peace and stability. The time for action is now, and the future of Northern Nigeria depends on the collective efforts to combat insecurity and rebuild the region.
