"You're Pushing Us To the Wall": Northern Leaders Release Powerful Warning as Details Emerge

• The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) warned that Northern Nigeria is being “pushed to the wall” by worsening insecurity, poverty and environmental crises
• Chairman Mamman Osuman and Adviser Bashir Hayatu Gentile stressed that patience in the region is running out, urging urgent and decisive government action
• The Forum cited Amnesty’s report of over 10,000 killings in two years, condemning official silence and calling for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security framework

Northern Nigeria’s foremost socio-political body, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has cautioned that the region is being “pushed to the wall” as insecurity, poverty and environmental pressures intensify.

The warning came at the Forum’s 78th National Executive Committee session in Kaduna, where its Chairman, Mamman Osuman, said silence was no longer an option.

“This is not a time for the North to fold its arms and watch while things continue to deteriorate,.

“Our security is worsening, our resources are being exploited, and environmental challenges are mounting. We must rise and unite to defend the region," he told delegates.

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ACF: Insecurity described as unbearable

Osuman lamented the toll of daily violence, floods and disasters on northern communities.

“We have lost children, young men and women, and the elderly to criminals, terrorists and natural calamities. The state of affairs is deeply troubling. That is why I call for sober reflection and prayers,” he added.

ACF calls for decisive action

ACF Adviser, Bashir Hayatu Gentile, told the BBC after the meeting that the Forum had reviewed the challenges in detail and concluded that urgent intervention was essential, Daily Trust reported

“These are real problems confronting the North, and we must compel the government to act. Nothing is more disturbing today than insecurity kidnappings and killings everywhere. That is why the ACF resolved that the North must unite and press the government to step up efforts,” Gentile explained.

He noted that Osuman had made it clear during the meeting that the region’s patience was “wearing thin.”

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“The Chairman urged the government to change its approach. He said northern patience is running out and decisive measures are needed,” Gentile said.

Amnesty International reports deepen anxiety

The Forum also reacted to Amnesty International’s recent report, which estimated that more than 10,000 people were killed in northern states during the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Cable reported.

Gentile described the killings, abductions and village raids as near-daily occurrences, pointing to a recent mosque attack in Malumfashi, Katsina state.

“The official report said 27 people were killed, but our sources indicate the number was even higher,” he remarked.

Forum urges government to act

The ACF criticised the silence of federal government on Amnesty’s findings, arguing that the lack of response only reinforced the seriousness of the situation.

“Since Amnesty released the report, no government official has disputed the figures. That is why the ACF insists that Nigeria’s security structure must be urgently reviewed,” Gentile concluded.

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ACF speaks on its stance on 2027

Previously, Legit.ng reported that as the 2027 elections approach, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has reaffirmed its non-partisan position.

ACF stressed that while its members are free to hold personal political views, the forum itself will not align with any political party.

Source: Legit.ng