The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed concern at the rates of killings and communal crisis in Plateau, Benue and other states in the northern part of the country.
The forum in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ibrahim, called on government at all levels to put an end to the violent attacks, which often claims lives and property of innocent citizens of the region.
The statement further described the recent renewed clashes among various communities in Plateau, Benue and other states in the North as disturbing.
On the recent communal clashes in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, the ACF urged the state Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom to promptly investigate the alleged killings and destruction of property and bring to justice those found to have aided and abated the carnage.
It also urged the state government to set up a reconciliation and peace committee similar to that of Plateau to proffer a permanent solution to the incessant and unnecessary conflicts in the state.
“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 socioeconomic development.
“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 coexisted 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 statement reads.
