Give us the promised Change, ACF tells Buhari, Northern governors
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has asked the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to redeem it’s promise of “change.”
Reviewing aspects of the security situation in parts of the north, the ACF regretted in a statement in Kaduna yesterday that the persistent bloody clashes between the Fulani and some communities in the area has made a caricature of the “change the people voted for during the 2015 general elections.”
According to the statement signed by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, “the change Nigerians voted for in the 2015 general elections is not only change in government but also change in the way and manner the elected leaders provide adequate security and welfare for the people.
“ACF therefore calls upon the security agencies to be vigilant and proactive in arresting such ugly incident that destroy harmonious relationship among communities who have co-existed in peace for years.
“The traditional leaders in the areas must also play their fatherly role of mediation for peaceful coexistence and tolerance among various communities in order to put an end to the unwarranted violence.
“The northern region has in the last six years had its fair share of insecurity problems such as Boko Haram insurgency, communal clashes, cattle rustling etc which have affected its socio-economic development.
“The initiative tagged, peace building and community consultation on security, by the Plateau state Governor Mr. Simon Lalong, aimed at finding a lasting solution to the incessant hostilities between herdsmen and Berom communities in Riyom, Jos South and Barkin Ladi local government areas is a welcome development.
“The recent renewed clashes among the various communities that have lived together peacefully over the years in Plateau state and other states in the north is not only of serious concern to Arewa Consultative Forum but disturbing, considering the huge destruction of lives and property.
“This has seriously affected the harmonious relationship among the communities and the general development of the areas.
“The initiative by the Plateau state governor to involve all critical stakeholders to ensure reconciliation and restoration of peace in the areas affected should be emulated by other state governors having similar communal problems.
“ACF in particular wishes to draw the attention of the Benue state Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom to the recent hostilities between the Tiv/Jukun and the Fulani/Kabawa communities of Gbajimba and Tse Kuncha in Guma local government area of Benue state, where wanton destruction of community settlement took place.
“ACF urges Governor Ortom to promptly investigate the alleged killing and destruction of property and bring to justice those found to have aided and abated the carnage. “Government should also set up a reconciliation and peace committee similar to that of Plateau to proffer a permanent solution to these incessant and unnecessary conflicts in the state” the ACF said.
Source: ScanNews
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