The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has condemned in the strongest terms, the recent wave of violent attacks in Kwara, Katsina, and Benue States, pledging unwavering support to the nation’s security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities.
On Thursday, the Forum’s Chairman, Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, through his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of innocent lives. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the affected communities, and the governments and people of Kwara, Katsina, and Benue States, describing the attacks as a stark violation of human dignity and a blow to the nation’s collective conscience.
“These heinous acts of violence are entirely unacceptable. The relentless targeting of defenceless citizens, including women, children, and the elderly, underscores the inhumanity of the perpetrators and highlights the urgent need for firm and decisive action”, Governor Yahaya stated.
He commended the leadership and resilience of the governors of Kwara, Katsina, and Benue States for their swift response to the crises, supporting affected communities and collaborating with federal authorities to restore peace.
Governor Yahaya further urged the nation’s security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, enhance surveillance, and carry out coordinated operations to apprehend the attackers and dismantle their networks. “The Northern Governors’ Forum stands firmly with our security agencies and calls on them to employ all lawful measures necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice. These crimes must not go unpunished”, he stressed.
Reaffirming the Forum’s commitment to collective action, Yahaya said the NSGF would continue to work closely with the Federal Government, security agencies, and traditional and community leaders to confront insecurity through robust security responses, intelligence-led policing, and long-term socio-economic interventions. He prayed for the repose of the departed, a speedy recovery for the injured, and urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in the fight against criminality.
The condemnation follows deadly attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where suspected terrorists struck on Tuesday night. At least 20 people were reportedly killed in Doma A and Doma B communities of Tafoki Ward, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. In Benue State, scores of residents were killed in Abande community of Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area.
