Arewa Discussion Group Condemns Resurgence Of Banditry In The North, Urges Overhaul Of Security Strategy

A group, the Arewa Discussion Group (ADG) has condemned in the strongest possible terms the alarming resurgence of banditry in the North submitting that ‘we are horrified by the recent wave of attacks and abductions plaguing communities in Kwara, Katsina and Kaduna states, and other parts of the region’.

ADG in a statement issued in Abuja by Dr. Garba Abari on behalf of the chairman of the group, Alhaji Maisudan Muhammed Bello (Tafidan Dutse) and made available to Team@orientactualmags.com  cited the devastating attack on Woro and Nuku communities, Kaiama Local Government, Kwara State on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, where reports said over seventy five lives were tragically lost, and several houses and sundry property burnt.

‘We also note with grave concern the continuing incidents in areas like Faskari in Katsina  and Kajuru in Kaduna States.

It is especially shameful and a monumental failure that local governments and communities, which recently entered into a truce with these criminal elements having been failed by the state are witnessing such brazen attacks. This so-called truce has been exposed as a farce, a naive concession to anarchy that has only emboldened the perpetrators. This approach is not a solution; it is an abdication of responsibility.

The ADG believes the time for mere condemnation is long past. While we unequivocally condemn these acts of madness, we must now be as creative and decisive as possible in ending this scourge. We must move beyond rhetoric to concrete, effective, and sustainable action’ the statement said.

The ADG also called for immediate and total overhaul of the security strategy in the region while telling government what to do without delay in order to get the situation under control.

‘We insist on:

· The deployment of a more robust, proactive, and intelligence-driven security response, moving beyond the current fragmented and piecemeal approaches that have proven inadequate.

· Greater collaboration and support for community-based vigilante groups within the framework of the law, and rebuilding trust to isolate criminal elements.

· A high-level summit of Northern political, traditional, and religious leaders to forge a concrete Regional Security Pact, ensuring the North speaks with a singular, powerful voice to secure the sub region. A situation where northern states operate in silos in the face of such horrifying experiences should no longer be tolerated. 

Most importantly, we call on all elected and appointed officials whose primary mandate is the security and welfare of the people to either deliver on this mandate immediately or honourably step aside. Failure is not an option. Where there is a consistent inability to protect the people, resignation is the honourable course to allow for fresh ideas and competent hands to pursue a lasting solution’ the group said.

ADG also noted that the people of Northern Nigeria and indeed all Nigerians deserve peace and security while adding that it stands in solidarity with all affected communities and will continue to advocate tirelessly for a return to normalcy, safety, and prosperity in ‘our region’-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you