Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has called on communities in Plateau to take proactive steps towards restoring peace, asserting that it is time to collectively declare an end to the ongoing violence that has plagued the state for many years.

During a condolence visit to Jos on Sunday, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ribadu expressed the president’s profound sorrow regarding the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area, which resulted in numerous fatalities and the displacement of families.

“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am here to convey his heartfelt condolences to the people of Plateau in light of the recent crisis we have experienced,” he stated.

While acknowledging the prompt actions taken by security forces, the NSA emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires more than just military intervention. He urged residents, who have coexisted for generations, to engage in dialogue, foster unity, and seek reconciliation.

Ribadu noted that while the frequency of attacks has diminished compared to previous years, unresolved tensions still create opportunities for criminal activities.

“Our security forces are performing admirably. However, our communities have the potential to do even better. It is time to declare that enough is enough. When individuals within the same community fail to resolve their issues peacefully, criminals exploit the situation, leading to crises that escalate rapidly,” he cautioned.

He assured that both federal and state governments are collaborating closely to stabilize the region and praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the visible improvements in the area’s security landscape.

“The federal government is committed, and the state government is actively engaged. The governor’s efforts have been commendable, contributing to the relative improvements we are witnessing,” he remarked.

Discussing the challenge of misinformation, Ribadu urged the media to refrain from disseminating unverified or exaggerated casualty figures, warning that such reports could exacerbate already volatile situations.

“While we have mourned many losses, the figures circulating may not accurately reflect the reality. Nonetheless, every life lost is significant. We urge the media to ensure the accuracy of their reports. Truthful reporting is crucial for our collective healing and for maintaining peace and security,” he asserted.

He underscored that sustainable development hinges on peace, describing it as the cornerstone of progress. Despite Plateau experiencing recurring violence for over two decades, Ribadu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the cycle of bloodshed.

“Without peace, nothing functions—there can be no progress, growth, development, education, or health. The president has made it clear: enough is enough. This cycle must end. We are committed to amplifying our efforts to achieve greater improvements,” he concluded.

Kano is currently experiencing heightened tensions following a formal request from the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, for Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, to appear at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Speculation surrounds this invitation, with many believing it may be linked to an attack on the Emir’s entourage during recent Sallah celebrations. The state police have detained Usman Sagiru in connection with the alleged murder of vigilante member Surajo Rabiu, which occurred during the assault on Emir Sanusi II’s entourage.

Additionally, another vigilante, Aminu Suleman, was injured in the incident and subsequently taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialists Hospital in Kano for treatment. According to SP Abdullahi Haruna, the state police command spokesman, the violence erupted while local guards were escorting the Emir’s entourage from the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground after the observance of the two rakat eid-el-fitr prayers.

The invitation letter, dated April 2, 2025, and referenced with number CR:3000/FID/FHQ/ABJ/VOL59/697, was issued by Commissioner of Police Olajide Rufus Ibitoye on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the FID in Abuja. The letter states: “I have the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), to invite you for an investigative meeting regarding an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebrations within your domain.”

The official summons has ignited apprehension throughout Kano City and surrounding areas, with some locals interpreting it as a potential attempt by the federal government to impose a state of emergency in the region. A resident from the Dorayi quarters, who requested anonymity, remarked, “We perceive this invitation as an affront to our traditional institution and an effort to intimidate our Emir by the police, who failed to ensure our safety on Sallah day.”

He urged President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to prevent the police from instigating unrest in Kano State. Another anonymous resident expressed worries that the invitation could escalate tensions and possibly lead to a state of emergency. “What transpired on Sallah day was not a Durbar but rather a customary procession of the Emir from his palace to the Mosque, where it is normal for him to ride a horse, rather than walk,” he stated.

He cautioned against disrupting the peace in Kano, asserting, “Summoning Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II over trivial matters constitutes a violation of his fundamental human rights, and it will be met with resistance from the community.”