From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Arewa Discussion Group (ADG), has strongly condemned the recent wave of deadly attacks across northern Nigeria, describing the situation as a coordinated campaign of terror capable of undermining national security and the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Dr. Garba Abari, on behalf of Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Maisudan, the group expressed outrage over what it called “heinous and senseless killings” targeting innocent civilians during the holy month of Ramadan.
“We are profoundly shocked by the scale and brutality of these attacks. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and communities devastated by this violence,” the statement read.
The group cited several incidents to underscore the worsening security crisis, including the killing of at least 50 residents in Tungan Dutse community of Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State during a prolonged attack by armed men.
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It also decried the killing of worshippers during Tarawih prayers in a mosque in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, describing it as “a direct assault on the sanctity of religion and humanity.”
In Borno State, the group lamented the resurgence of urban bombings following coordinated explosions in Maiduguri that left over 20 people dead and more than 100 injured during the Iftar period.
Beyond these incidents, ADG noted that violence has spread across several northern states, including Bauchi, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Niger, Sokoto, and Adamawa, with recurring attacks, mass displacement, and destruction of livelihoods.
Dr. Abari said, “What we are witnessing is not isolated criminality but a systematic siege on the North by well-organised non-state actors who now operate with alarming impunity.”
He warned that the increasing attacks on both civilians and security personnel signal a dangerous erosion of state authority, adding that some communities have been completely overrun, forcing residents to flee their ancestral homes.
According to the group, the humanitarian situation is worsening, with hundreds of thousands displaced, particularly in Niger State, where entire communities have been uprooted by persistent attacks.
The statement also highlighted the economic toll of insecurity, especially in agrarian areas where farmers have abandoned their farmlands due to fear of attacks.
“Bandits are not only killing people but deliberately targeting livelihoods to weaken communities and impose control,” Abari stated.
The group further raised concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern in the timing of the attacks, suggesting a possible attempt to exploit insecurity ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We believe these coordinated acts of violence may be aimed at creating fear, suppressing voter participation, and ultimately subverting the democratic process,” the spokesman said.
ADG called on the Federal Government to urgently step up security operations across affected areas, ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, and dismantle criminal enclaves operating in forests and border communities.
It also urged authorities to provide immediate humanitarian support to displaced persons and victims, while safeguarding the credibility of future elections.
“We must not allow violence to become a tool for political manipulation. Nigeria’s democracy must be protected at all costs,” the group stressed.
The organisation reaffirmed its solidarity with affected communities and called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and united against forces threatening peace and democratic stability.
