Northern Christian Elders Say Nigeria Is Facing an Undeclared War, Demand Stronger Action on Southern Kaduna Killings
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has described the continued killings in Southern Kaduna as proof that Nigeria is facing an undeclared war, calling on the Federal Government to take stronger and more decisive action against armed criminal groups.
The group was reacting to the recent attack on Naridon community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where gunmen suspected to be terrorists reportedly killed about 30 residents.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, the forum said the attack was one too many and urged the government to recognise the seriousness of the country’s security situation.
According to Oibe, Nigeria is already at war, and the government must either show the determination to defeat those responsible or risk allowing the country to be overwhelmed by insecurity.
He questioned how armed bandits and terrorists have continued to operate freely despite the presence of security agencies.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand what is happening, especially in northern Nigeria. Are these criminals now more powerful than the Nigerian state?” he asked.
NOSCEF called on the Federal Government to make greater use of modern technology and stronger security strategies to identify and eliminate armed groups terrorising communities.
The forum also urged the Kaduna State Government to strengthen local security if additional federal support is not available.
It recommended empowering young people in communities across the state to help protect their areas from criminal attacks.
The group further advised Governor Uba Sani to work with governors of neighbouring states, including Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kano, to establish a regional security partnership aimed at tackling banditry and terrorism.
According to NOSCEF, insecurity has reached an alarming level and requires urgent cooperation among governments at all levels.
The forum warned that unless decisive steps are taken, violence will continue to spread across the region.
It also extended condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the Kauru attack, praying that they find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
The Christian elders concluded by urging the government to demonstrate greater commitment to protecting lives and restoring peace in affected communities.
