By Abubakar Yunusa
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called for the immediate release of the abducted students of Gusau University to be reunited with their families, alive and safe.
The group’s spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
He said, “CNG will remain firm in its stance that President Tinubu must display genuine commitment to addressing the security challenges in the North, departing from the usual approach. To demonstrate this determination, prompt action is required.
“Those responsible for ensuring the security of Zamfara University, where the horrific incident of the attack and abduction of innocent girls took place, should be held accountable and face appropriate punishment. Anything less than that would not be acceptable, and he would be seen to have failed in the vital responsibility of providing security to the people.
“We call the attention of the government to note the growing frustration and mounting anger across the North, and in particular, the North-West, arising from the general and pervasive insecurity being experienced while those charged with the responsibility of securing the lives and properties of citizens appear helpless or ill-prepared to act.
“We warn that the resurgence of this security challenge has caused untold hardship and agony to the people of the state and poses a serious threat to the entire northern region and must stop.”
Speaking further, Abdul-Azeez said CNG sources on the affected campus have informed us that government troops were actually alerted to suspicious movements several hours before the attack on the campus.
“We also learned that the government troops did heed the alarm and visited the university twice. However, contrary to the reasonable expectation that the soldiers would mount extra vigilance around the campus, they just drove away, exposing the students to unforeseen vulnerabilities.”
According to him, the government’s inadequate response to the situation has only worsened matters. There have been promises of action, but they have largely been unfulfilled.
“It is high time for the government to rise to the occasion and take decisive action to address the security situation in the North. The lives and livelihoods of citizens are at stake, and the government must demonstrate that it is a responsible custodian of their welfare.”
