The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s government and security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to address the insecurity in Abuja and across the country.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesperson for NEF, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, who condemned the recent abduction of six sisters in the Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory.
NEF asserted that the recent development has further exposed the extent of the current state of insecurity plaguing the nation and also underscores the helplessness of Nigerians in the face of such dangers.
The forum said the continuous occurrence of kidnappings, killings, armed robberies, and violent attacks, even in the federal capital, is unacceptable.
It said, "The Northern Elders Forum recognizes that the responsibility to ensure security lies with the government and security agencies. They must step up their efforts to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.
"The forum urges the government to deploy more security personnel to Abuja and other areas affected by insecurity. Additionally, we call for the provision of adequate resources and equipment to enable the security agencies to effectively combat criminal activities."
NEF also emphasised the importance of citizen participation in addressing the security challenges facing the country.
The organisation urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, saying individuals must be proactive in ensuring their safety and the safety of their communities.
"The Northern Elders Forum stands in solidarity with the families of the victims and the Nigerian people in condemning the recent abductions and violent attacks. We recognize the pain and anguish experienced by the affected families and call for justice to be served. The forum insists that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be apprehended and brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others," the statement said.