Nigeria’s Northern region is bleeding and needs urgent, coordinated, and decisive action to address the escalating insecurity prevalent therein, the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative has said.
Speaking on Sunday morning in Bauchi in a Press Conference, Director General of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, described the current security situation as one of the most profound and persistent challenges facing the region in its history.
He emphasized that the rising wave of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and communal clashes poses a serious threat to the safety of citizens, the stability of communities, and the future of the North.
“This is not merely a routine engagement, It is a necessary call to collective reflection and urgent action. The time for rhetoric alone has passed. What we need now is commitment, coordination, and concrete action,” he added.
The Director General highlighted the devastating humanitarian impact of the crisis, noting that thousands of families have been displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and communities plunged into poverty and food insecurity.
He further warned that the disruption of education and exposure to violence is placing an entire generation of young people at risk.
Idris identified key root causes of insecurity to include youth unemployment, poverty, weak local governance structures, the proliferation of small arms, and a growing breakdown of trust between communities and security agencies.
He stressed that security must be seen as a shared responsibility, calling on community leaders, civil society, and citizens to actively participate in peacebuilding efforts.
He underscored the critical role of traditional and religious leaders in fostering unity, intelligence gathering, and conflict resolution at the grassroots level.
The Area Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative outlined key recommendations to include strengthening security architecture which means increased deployment of trained personnel to high-risk areas, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced coordination among security agencies.
Also, community-based security approach which has to do with support and regulation of community policing structures, with stronger collaboration between local communities and formal security institutions.
Another is economic and social interventions which will translate to implementation of targeted youths employment and empowerment programs, alongside increased investment in education, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
Also, justice and accountability which is ensuring swift prosecution of criminal elements and addressing impunity to restore public trust as well as humanitarian support and rehabilitation which means the provision of relief materials for displaced persons, rebuilding of affected communities, and restoration of livelihoods.” Globalupfront.
