Northern Group Blasts FG: Stop Empty Talk, Crush Killers, Kidnappers

The Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative (ACI) yesterday came hard on the Federal Government, accusing it of paying lip service to the killings, kidnappings, and destruction ravaging Northern Nigeria.

Addressing reporters in Kaduna during activities to mark the 2025 International Day of Peace, ACI Director-General, Dr Abdullahi Idris, said the Buhari and Tinubu administrations had made repeated promises but failed to protect lives and property in the region.

“For centuries, northerners have lived side by side across faiths, ethnicities and cultures. We cannot allow selfish politicians or profiteers of conflict to turn brothers against brothers. Dialogue must replace exclusion,” he said.

Idris accused Northern leaders of complacency and cowardice, saying their silence and selective engagement had emboldened criminal gangs in Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau and Benue.

“History will not forgive Northern leaders if they fail to act decisively to halt the wave of killings, kidnappings and violent conflicts plaguing the region. The time for complacency is over. The time for action is now,” he warned.

The ACI chief also berated security agencies for ignoring credible intelligence, leaving governors helpless and communities at the mercy of terrorists.

“It is disturbing that while armed groups continue to terrorise communities, some elites prefer staging flamboyant ceremonies instead of convening serious, solution-driven summits to end the crises,” he fumed.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate “real leadership” by visiting victims, strengthening security agencies, and showing practical commitment to restoring peace.

“Our call is clear: Act now for a peaceful North. Act now for a peaceful Nigeria. Act now for a peaceful world,” he declared.