Northern Groups set for national summit on worsening insecurity

Philip Clement, Abuja

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has revealed its decision to convene a national summit to find lasting solutions to the rising cases of killings and kidnappings that is currently consuming the region.

CNG’s Spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, who stated this at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, also asserted that over 800 persons have been abducted only in 2021.

Mr. Suleiman knocked the governors, saying they have failed to champion the course of securing the people from the region which is why the northern highways “are partly a result of incapacity, absence of political will, defence corruption and bad governance.”

He said: “In recognition of the enormity of these security and socioeconomic challenges, the CNG has resolved to embark on a massive mobilisation of all men and women of goodwill in the region and beyond, to raise their voices to give voice to our voiceless people.

“Consequently, the CNG has resolved to organise a Mega Pan Northern Nigerian Summit under the chairmanship of the convener of the Northern Elders Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi to look into and proffer definite solutions to the security challenges in the region.

“The summit shall involve such critical stakeholders as traditional rulers, clerics of all faiths, academics, community leaders, security personnel, students, women, youth and all trade organisations including ASUU, COASU, NUT, NUJ, NULGE, NGE, NURTW, NATO, vigilante groups as well as the business community.”

According to him, “In 2021 alone, over 800 persons have been abducted by non-state actors in the North. In September, 73 children were abducted in Kaya, Maradun local government of Zamfara State.

“At the College of Agriculture and Animal Health in Bakura, Zamfara State, 15 persons were taken. While 121 were abducted at Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State.

“In May, 156 children were abducted at an Islamiyya in Niger state. Similarly, 270 were abducted in Jangebe in Marafa Local Government of Zamfara.”