Security
NEF condemns barbaric attacks in plateau, calls for reassessment of current military tactics
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) vehemently condemns the heinous attacks on various communities in Plateau State, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 100 innocent lives.
NEF urgently calls for a reassessment of the current strategies deployed by the government, as they have proven ineffective and inefficient in curbing the escalating violence.
It questions whether the strategies employed by the government are flawed or grossly inadequate, given the audacious regularity and ease with which the attackers operate across the northern region.
The Forum emphasizes the need for immediate action to address this disturbing situation, protect innocent lives, preserve peace, and ensure the security of the people living in the northern region.
The Director of Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesperson of the forum, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, expressed deep sadness and offered heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement called upon the relevant authorities to give immediate attention to several administrative and judicial commissions of inquiry reports concerning security incidents in Plateau, Kaduna, and other conflict areas in the North.
According to the statement, the recent invasion of five communities in Gashish and Ropp Districts of Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government areas of Plateau State, which occurred on Christmas Eve, is just the latest in a long series of coordinated attacks, rampant killings, wanton destruction, and mass displacements that have plagued the northern region.
The statement further reads: “NEF expresses concern over the inability of the military to prevent the Christmas Eve killings, despite claiming to have promptly responded to 36 distress calls from different locations in Plateau State in the 48 hours leading up to Christmas. This highlights the Forum’s growing suspicions regarding the efficacy and sufficiency of the government’s operational methods.
“NEF is also deeply concerned about the recent security incident in Ruwan Dorawa village, Zamfara State. The tragic event that unfolded on the same Christmas Eve resulted in the loss of two innocent lives and the abduction of over 25 individuals, predominantly children and women, including the wife of the village head.
“In light of this incident and the escalating security challenges faced by the region, NEF urgently demands a comprehensive investigation into the reported security lapse in Ruwan Dorawa village.
“The findings of this inquiry must be made public, and those responsible for the security breach must be held accountable to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such incidents from reoccurring.
“These reports contain vital information and recommendations that, if implemented, could contribute to strengthening the security infrastructure and maintaining peace and harmony in the region.
“NEF strongly condemns this devastating act and expresses heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this heinous crime. It is deeply distressing to witness the continuous deterioration of security in the conflict-affected areas of the North, which has led to countless lives being lost and a pervasive sense of fear and instability among the communities.
“The Forum insists that every life is valuable, and the senseless loss of innocent lives in Plateau State and beyond is unacceptable. NEF appeals to the relevant authorities to prioritize the protection of lives and property and bring the perpetrators of these acts of violence to justice swiftly.
“NEF remains committed to working closely with government stakeholders, security agencies, and other relevant bodies to achieve lasting peace, stability, and security in the northern region. The Forum calls for a collective effort from all stakeholders to identify and address the root causes of these attacks, promote dialogue, and foster harmony among the diverse communities.”
The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully repelled multiple attacks by suspected armed bandits, killing four criminals in separate operations at the Federal University Dutsin-mama (FUDMA) and the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve (Silo) in Darawa, Dutsin-ma local government council of the state
According to the command spokesman, Hamisu Buhari, the incident happened on Friday, February 21; NSCDC operatives stationed at FUDMA’s permanent site engaged armed bandits who attempted to infiltrate the institution around 2:00 a.m.
The security team neutralised three of the assailants, including a notorious bandit identified as Ayuba Buzaru. During the operation, they also rescued three kidnapped victims: JafaruAlh. Bawa, 52 years, Delu Alh. Amadu, 40 years, and Huzaifa (alias Zulai) Alh. Bawa, 37 years.
Additionally, livestock stolen by the criminals, including goats, were recovered.
In a separate attack on Sunday, February 23, bandits attempted to raid the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve in Darawa.
The NSCDC Agro Ranger operatives, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force, Dutsinma Division, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel. One bandit was killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital, Dutsinma.
The Silo, which serves as a vital storage facility for grain distribution to Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, has been a recurring target for criminals.
However, security forces remain committed to its protection, following directives from the NSCDC Commandant General, A.A. Audi, and the National Security Adviser’s office.
Additionally, NSCDC personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, dispersed another group of suspected bandits at Gago Village, near Isah Kaita College of Education, in Dutsinma LGA.
Commandant Aminu Datti Ahmad praised the gallant efforts of his officers and assured the public of the Corps’ dedication to safeguarding lives and critical national assets.
He urged residents to report any individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security office.
The NSCDC Katsina Command remains steadfast in ensuring peace and security across the State.
A notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has imposed a levy of N22 million on four villages in Sokoto State as compensation for the death of one of his men during a military operation, according to local sources.
The affected villages include Garin Idi, the hometown of the state’s deputy governor, Engineer Idris Gobir, as confirmed by the member representing Sabon Birni West Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza.
Turji, who has reportedly shifted his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area, also demanded the payment to cover firearms lost during the military operation.
Negotiation with Bandits
According to Hon. Boza, villagers had to negotiate with Turji, who initially demanded N25 million but later reduced it to N22 million.
“He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and goes around to supervise them. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa. That was where the villagers met him for negotiation,” Boza said.
The lawmaker criticised the military’s approach, stating that their failure to sustain operations in eastern Sokoto had left villagers vulnerable to reprisals from bandits.
“I have always criticised the military for withdrawing after their operations. Each time they leave, it is the villagers who suffer the consequences. The bandits always vent their anger on them,” he said.
Ongoing Security Concerns
Despite multiple visits by the Minister of Defence and assurances that banditry would soon be eradicated, attacks continue in the region.
“Just a few days ago, bandits killed six operatives of the Sokoto Community Guards. I am appealing to the military to intensify and sustain their operations in eastern Sokoto. This is the only way to restore total peace in the area,” Boza added.
In a separate incident, Turji has also demanded a N250,000 ransom from each family of 13 worshippers abducted two weeks ago in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. So far, five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom.
Governors from the North West region of Nigeria are currently holding a high-level meeting in Abuja to address pressing issues affecting the region.
The meeting, presided over by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, is taking place at Katsina House in the nation’s capital.
In attendance are Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State. The forum provides a platform for the regional leaders to deliberate on security, economic development, and other critical challenges facing their states.
Also present at the closed-door session are Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, UN Resident Coordinator Mohammed Malik Fall, and UN Consultant on the North West, Maryam Uwais. Their participation suggests a broader collaboration between the Nigerian government and international partners in addressing issues such as insecurity, humanitarian aid, and development projects in the region.
Security, Development Top Agenda as North West Governors Meet in Abuja