Expressing deep concern about the persistent insecurity plaguing large parts of Northern Nigeria, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has appealed to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to give top priority to security in the region.

In a statement released on Saturday following a press conference in Abuja, the Coalition urgently called upon the President to “demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the security issues in the North.”

The group specifically pointed to the recent kidnapping of female students from Zamfara University in Gusau and implored Tinubu to instruct security agencies to swiftly secure the release of the abducted students and reunite them with their families in a safe and alive condition.

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During the press conference, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the spokesperson for CNG, voiced the group’s apprehension regarding the “increasing frequency and regularity of attacks, which have reached alarming levels.” He stressed that the government’s silence and the inaction of security forces were no longer acceptable.

“The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has closely observed the unfolding events in Northern Nigeria over the past few months, particularly noting the disturbing surge in banditry and kidnapping, especially in rural areas of Zamfara and the bordering states of Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, and Kaduna.

“It is disheartening that despite claims of success by government security forces, the rising rates of banditry and kidnapping persistently claim lives, disrupt economic activities, and devastate livelihoods,” remarked Suleiman.

These abductions have disproportionately targeted schoolchildren and students, resulting in numerous school closures between June and August, causing both parents and students to fear for their safety.

The boldness and brazenness of these crimes are noteworthy and suspicious, as they occur even in broad daylight and on major highways, sometimes in the presence of government security forces.

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“We emphasize that CNG remains steadfast in its position that President Tinubu must demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the security challenges in the North, departing from the usual approach. This determination must be demonstrated through prompt action.

“We insist that those responsible for safeguarding the security of Zamfara University, where the appalling attack and abduction of innocent girls occurred, be held accountable and face appropriate consequences.

“Anything less would be unacceptable, and it would signify a failure in the crucial duty of ensuring the safety of the people.

“We call upon the government to take note of the growing frustration and increasing anger in the North, particularly in the North-West, arising from the widespread and pervasive insecurity, while those tasked with securing the lives and properties of citizens appear either helpless or unprepared to act,” he concluded.