By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic killing of 19 Nigerian citizens in Uromi, Edo State, on March 27, 2025. The victims, who were traveling to Kano for the Sallah celebrations, were attacked and gruesomely murdered by a mob allegedly operating under the guise of community vigilantes.

In a strongly-worded statement, ACF condemned the act as a barbaric and heinous crime, dismissing claims that the victims were mistakenly identified as kidnappers. The forum asserted that ethnic profiling played a significant role in the attack and warned against downplaying its implications for national unity and security.

ACF pointed out that, ?such incidents are part of a disturbing pattern of hostility towards Northerners in parts of the country.? It cited past attacks on Northern traders and transporters, particularly in the South East, as evidence of systemic discrimination. The forum further criticized the response of law enforcement agencies, calling their inaction during the tragedy an indication of incompetence or complicity.

While acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?s directive for security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice, ACF urged for a more decisive response with clear timelines and responsibilities.

The group also commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for swiftly taking measures to control the situation, including disbanding unregistered vigilante groups and suspending officials overseeing non-state security operators. However, ACF insisted that mere suspension was inadequate and demanded a full investigation into the officials? roles in the incident.

The organization outlined several urgent actions, including:

1. Justice for the victims ? ACF demanded the prosecution of all those responsible for the killings through an independent judicial commission, ensuring accountability without undue delays.

2. Compensation for the victims? families ? The forum called for full financial compensation to the bereaved families to address their suffering and loss.

3. Investigation of security agencies ? ACF urged a thorough probe into the roles of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) officers involved, with potential suspension and prosecution of any personnel found complicit.

4. End to ethnic profiling ? The group called on federal and state governments to take concrete steps to eliminate discrimination against Northerners and ensure their constitutional rights to free movement and residence across Nigeria.

5. Increased security awareness ? The forum advised Northern communities to sensitize their citizens on safety precautions during inter-state travel and issue periodic advisories to minimize security risks.

6. Call for calm ? ACF appealed to Northerners to refrain from retaliatory attacks, urging them to uphold peace, moral integrity, and lawful conduct despite the provocation.

ACF?s statement underscored the gravity of the Uromi killings, emphasizing that failure to address the issue could threaten national cohesion. The organization reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice and ensuring the safety and rights of Northerners across the country.

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