The Northern Elders Forum has condemned what it described as “devastating” and “heinous attacks” on five communities in Plateau State on Sunday, describing it as the latest in a series of coordinated attacks, rampant killings, and mass displacements that have plagued the northern region.

In a statement signed by Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, NEF Director of Publicity and Advocacy, on Tuesday, the forum stated that it had reasons to suspect the government’s operational methods while raising concerns over the inability of the military to prevent the Christmas Eve killings despite claiming to have received 36 distress calls from different locations in the state.

“NEF strongly condemns this devastating act and expresses its 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 amongst the communities.

“Moreover, 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 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 statement read.

While also raising concerns over the loss of lives of two persons, and the kidnap of 25 others, including the Wife of the Village Head in Ruwan Dorawa Village in Zamfara, Abdullahi demanded an investigation into security lapses that resulted in the kidnap, adding that the report must be made public, while those responsible are held accountable.

The statement added, “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.”

Meanwhile, in his Christmas message, Abdullahi called on “all citizens and stakeholders to offer fervent prayers for the nation’s safety and security”, while also calling on religious leaders to lead followers “in supplication, beseeching divine intervention in bringing an end to insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminality”.

He added that the Forum remained committed to working closely with the government, security agencies and other stakeholders, to achieve lasting peace and security in the Northern region. (The PUNCH)

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