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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep sorrow over the recent attacks on defenceless communities in Plateau State, calling on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to end the violence.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 5, 2025, by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the Forum described the March 28 attacks by terror gangs as “disheartening and frightening”, lamenting that scores of innocent people, including children, were killed.
“The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is ineffably saddened at the disheartening and frightening attacks by terror gangs on defenceless communities in Plateau State… which resulted in the tragic deaths of scores of people including children,” the statement read.
While mourning the victims, the ACF conveyed condolences to the affected families, the government, and the people of Plateau State, saying it identifies with their “deep pains” and prays for “eternal rest” for the deceased and strength for the survivors.
The Forum criticized the continued insecurity in the region, noting that the killings have become one too many.
“Clearly, the people are in great pain, with their situation compounded by existential economic challenges. The killing spree on the Plateau must be stopped immediately and peace must return to the State,” it stated.
ACF called on the Federal Government to declare a state of security emergency in vulnerable and banditry-prone areas and to initiate early-warning and early-response strategies with the involvement of community members.
The Forum also urged the government to enhance intelligence gathering and prosecution of those behind the attacks.
It demanded full compensation for the families of the victims and support for the injured.
Furthermore, the group advocated for the empowerment of local leaders, religious and traditional institutions, and civil society organisations to lead conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts.
It called on citizens to support security agencies with credible information.
Lastly, the ACF challenged members of the National Assembly to hold the Federal Government and national security agencies accountable and to demand “concrete evidence of a firm resolve to exterminate the current terror on citizens.”
While reaffirming its support for the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, and security agencies, ACF urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts to restore peace in the region.