Northern group raises alarm over rising killings, kidnappings

The Northern Reconciliation Group (NRG) has expressed concern over the escalating violent attacks, abductions, kidnappings and banditry across Northern states.
NRG, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Kaduna, called for an urgent and collective action to end the menace.
The statement was jointly signed by Joseph Lengmang, pro tempore secretary of the group, and Usman Yusuf, the group’s pro tempore spokesperson.
According to the statement, the persistent insecurity in rural and semi urban communities has continued to expose families to fear, grief and uncertainty.
The NRG extended solidarity to the victims of violent attacks and communities that had suffered loss of lives, displacement and destruction of livelihoods.
It noted that the recurring incidents posed serious threat to the social fabric of the region.
“As a non partisan group committed to peace through dialogue, healing and reconciliation, we affirm that the protection of life and human dignity is the most fundamental obligation of governance,” the statement said.
The statement said persistent insecurity across Northern Nigeria should no longer be viewed as isolated or localised incidents, but as a regional and national security emergency requiring urgent, coordinated and humane responses.
It called for the intensification of lawful and intelligence driven operations to secure the release of abducted persons and dismantle criminal networks operating across the region.
The statement also urged the decisive implementation of enhanced security measures and early warning systems tailored to protecting vulnerable communities.
It called for a renewed commitment to justice, accountability and community driven approaches to rebuild trust between citizens and state institutions.
The statement quoted the group as saying that its appeal was made in the spirit of unity and shared responsibility, stressing that “human security must rise above ethnic, religious and political divisions.”
It further reaffirmed the NRG’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restoring safety, dignity and lasting peace in Northern Nigeria through inclusive and honest dialogue.
(NAN)
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