The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed concern over the state of insecurity in Nigeria, insisting that the situation has continued to deteriorate despite efforts by the Federal Government.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Mohammed Baba, argued that insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the country under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, many of the expectations Nigerians had when the current administration assumed office have not been met, particularly regarding the economy and citizens’ standard of living.
He stated that the impact of government policies on ordinary Nigerians has been disappointing and troubling, while security challenges continue to escalate across several parts of the country.
“Furthermore, the insecurity thing, no matter what his government says, and so on, is getting worse.
“Over one year ago, we talk of the forest guards, it’s only recently with the event in Oyo and in Borno, that they are talking of deploying 1000 forest guards in some of the states, I think in seven states, they said, but research has shown that there are over 30,000 terrorists operating in our ungoverned spaces in the rural areas in Sokoto, in Katsina, in Zamfara.
“Bandits have imposed levies and told people not to go to the farm. I mean, there is this level of desperation, and we are gradually, gradually normalizing self help that unless you do something, the government will not be there to protect you. To me, that undermines the essence of the role of the state with regards to citizens.”
The ACF spokesman further highlighted concerns over the education sector, citing poor infrastructure, welfare issues affecting teachers, and security threats that continue to impact learning environments.
“Look at the out of school children, even for those children who are in school, go and see the facilities, ask the teachers if they have been paid, ask if the people are comfortable, and of course now even going to school has become a problem, because sometimes even in the middle of semi urban or urban areas, miscreants will come and take people into the bushes, and so on.
“So, really, whether we like it or not, we can continue to be delusional. We can continue to think the average citizen is not aware, but he is.”
Prof. Mohammed Baba maintained that the realities faced by many Nigerians reflect growing concerns over security, education, and economic conditions, urging greater attention to the challenges confronting citizens across the country.
