Northern elders say they have been vindicated by a statement by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, on worsening insecurity in the region.
Speaking on the platform of Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), the foremost northern trado-religious leader narrated how bandits “go around in the villages, households, and markets with their AK 47 rifles, they stop at the market, buy things, pay and collect change, with their weapons openly displayed.”
Reacting to Sultan Abubakar’s comment, the northern elders under the aegis of Coalition of Northern Elders for Peace and Development (CONEPD) hailed him for his courage.
They said it further validated their call and that of other Nigerians on President Muhammadu Buhari to rejig the security architecture and appoint young minds who will salvage the situation.
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CONEPD’s statement was signed by National Coordinator, Engr. Zana Goni and National Women Leader, Hajia Mario Bichi.
“We most respectfully commend the Sultan of Sokoto, our father, for stating the true position of things in the North, as it concerns insecurity.
“We had said it over and over again, that the state of insecurity had reached a point where our farmers can hardly access their farms, even as travellers on busy highways can no longer guarantee their safe arrival without being kidnapped.
“Our mothers, fathers, and children are now at the mercy of terrorists and bandits, who kill, harass and destroy property without being confronted, in many instances, by our security operatives.
“As patriotic elders, we think the position of the Sultan is a Clarion call to our dear President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, to restructure the security architecture in the country without further delay.
“We applaud our President for ensuring huge budgetary allocation to the military and security sectors, thereby demonstrating his interest in securing lives and property.
“We, however, regret that our Security Chiefs have not shown commensurate commitment in tackling these security challenges, owing to what we see as lethargy and spent ideas.
“Accordingly, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Service Chiefs without further delay, and appoint younger senior officers that will bring fresh perspectives and ideas to bear in addressing the deteriorating security situation in the North in particular, and the country in general,” the coalition said.