By Abubakar Y.Ojimaojo, Abuja
Following the recent activities of the armed bandits/terrorists across four northern states of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Niger states, the Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) has called for the establishment of regional security outfits to provide cover for defenseless Nigerians suffering the brunt.
Speaking on the development on Sunday, the national coordinator of CNG, Balarabe Rufa’i lamented the killings, abductions, maiming and exploitations of citizens which have been going on incessantly with no respite in sight.
The group blamed governments at all levels for surrendering their rights and privileges to the bandits/ terrorists as the bandits operate parallel governments in villages and imposed taxes and levies on the people at will.
“CNG, therefore, advocates concerted and strategic efforts to an independent-community based security outfit that can be funded through community efforts, donations from wealthy individuals, friends and associates of the North among others to take the war against this eminent existential threats to the hideouts of the hardened criminals.
“We reiterate our call to the traditional and religious leaders because of their proximity to the people and the trust they enjoy from our people that they must lead from the front by setting example; they should create and manage a special trust-fund to support the community-based outfit.
“Hence, our people must rise up in an organized manner and defend themselves from the systematic and genocidal annihilation; plundering of their resources and extortions by their terrorist-enemies,” Balarabe said.
He further lamented that governments and its functionaries lack the political will and determination to decisively deal with the problems once and for all.
“The security forces are grossly understaffed, ill-equipped and poorly motivated to confront the monstrous terrorists in aggressive manner to eliminate them from their hideouts. It is also alleged that top security personnel are siphoning the little resources earmarked for the purpose of prosecuting the war.
“Therefore, the CNG calls on traditional rulers to stand with their people at this difficult and scaring situation to confront the challenge for our collective survival.
Communities must work together under the traditional institutions, religious leaders and community leaders to source for alternative method of preserving and protecting their lives, properties and communities as our security architecture proves incapacitated and or reluctant to decisively and resolutely deal with the problem.”
On the recent suspension of ‘Idon mikiya program of Vision FM and its subsidiary, Farin Wata TV’ by the federal government through National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), CNG said it is an affront to freedom of speech and expression as contained in the Nigeria’s Constitution.
