The foremost association of Northern Nigerian women, Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa, has expressed deep concern over the renewed wave of banditry, kidnappings and terrorist attacks across several states.

The group is also calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward rescuing abducted schoolchildren and restoring peace in affected communities.

The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Pamela Sadauki, made the call on Tuesday during a press briefing held at the conclusion of the association’s emergency BOT meeting in Kaduna.

She said the organisation was compelled to address the nation following what it described as an alarming resurgence of violent attacks that have plunged many northern communities into fear and despair.

Ms Sadauki condemned the November 17, 2025, abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State and Saturday’s kidnapping of more than 300 students as well as staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Niger State. Fifty of the victims had however regained freedom.

She said the incidents were part of a wider pattern of violence affecting travellers, farmers and villagers in states including Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.

She described the abductions as “utterly unacceptable,” adding that the Kebbi State incident painfully evoked memories of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping over a decade ago.

According to her, the ongoing attacks are not merely criminal acts but “a deliberate, calculated attempt to destabilise the country, disrupt education, cripple commerce and sow socio-political chaos that threatens Nigeria’s unity.”

Ms Sadauki stressed that the criminals behind these acts do not represent any religion or ethnic group, warning that attempts to frame the crisis along sectarian lines were “dangerous and divisive.”

Condemning any foreign interference that undermines national sovereignty, she emphasised the need for genuine international cooperation, intelligence sharing and capacity building provided such support remains under Nigerian leadership.

The JMA chairperson commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, police and other security agencies for what she called their “remarkable successes” in degrading terrorist networks and rescuing victims over the past two years.

She, however, warned that the recent surge in attacks risks eroding those gains if decisive action is not taken.

She extended condolences to the families of fallen officers and urged Nigerians to support the security forces with prayers, credible information and morale-boosting assistance.

“We call on the security agencies to redouble their efforts, intensify intelligence-driven operations and ensure the swift and safe rescue of the abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and Niger as well as all other hostages across the North,” she said.

Ms Sadauki appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures and the citizens to unite in confronting insecurity rather than exploiting national grief for political or ethnic advantage.

“As mothers, sisters and daughters of the North, our hearts bleed with the families of the victims,” she added, praying for the safe return of all abducted persons and for lasting peace across the country.
(NAN)