The Arewa Consultative Forum has asked the Federal Government to put its focus on the country’s deteriorating security situation rather than allowing preparations for the 2027 elections to dominate governance.
The group warned that the continued activities of terrorists, kidnappers and other armed groups were putting communities under severe pressure through killings, abductions and destruction of livelihoods.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the ACF accused political leaders of devoting disproportionate attention to electoral matters while citizens continued to face attacks.
“Without equivocation ACF insists that now is the time to stop the politics and end the killings,” the forum said.
The organisation said the scale of kidnapping across the country remained alarming, pointing to children reportedly being held by terrorists in Borno, Kwara and other states.
It added that several other Nigerians remained in captivity in what it described as “horrendous conditions”, with victims and their families facing prolonged uncertainty.
Zamfara was also cited as an example of the worsening situation. The ACF said five separate attacks were recorded in the state on a single day, resulting in deaths, abductions and the destruction or looting of property.
The forum said the security situation was similarly troubling in Plateau and Taraba, while attacks had also been reported in Benue, Niger, Katsina and Kogi states.
Particular attention was drawn to Chikun Local Government Area and communities around Kaduna metropolis, where the ACF said incidents of kidnapping, killings and ransom demands were becoming increasingly frequent.
The organisation also referenced the reported abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling to an orientation camp in Imo State, saying the victims were still being held when its statement was released.
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According to the ACF, these cases illustrated only a portion of the security threats confronting Nigerians.
The forum questioned how much longer citizens should be expected to endure killings and abductions before government authorities take more decisive measures to protect them.
The ACF also expressed concern over the growing involvement of elected officials and politically exposed individuals in activities linked to the 2027 elections.
It argued that those entrusted with public office should concentrate on governance and the protection of citizens instead of allowing electoral ambitions to take priority.
The forum also took issue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence Anniversary address, saying the speech gave insufficient attention to insecurity considering the severity of the situation across the country.
It urged the Federal Government to urgently redirect its resources and attention towards tackling violence, arguing that every additional attack represents another failure to adequately protect citizens.
“As time is fast running out, electioneering campaigns must give way to action over insecurity,” the ACF said.
The group reiterated its demand for stronger measures to secure communities and protect lives and property, stressing that political interests should not take precedence over the government’s fundamental responsibility to Nigerians.