Train attack: North under siege – ACF

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed shock over Monday’s attack on a Kaduna-bound train, describing it and the frequent attacks in the region as unacceptable.

In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Malam Murtala Aliyu, the forum stated that as custodian of the welfare and integrity of the North, it is tired of crying out on the issue of security and other challenges bedeviling the region.

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The ACF, therefore, called on the Federal and State Governments to as a matter of urgency revisit their security architecture, with a view to protecting lives and property of Nigerians.

The forum lamented that banditry and terrorism have excised the North and the major economic activities of North East, North west with a new ploy to block Kaduna which is the main gateway to the Northern part of the Country.

“The ACF commiserate with the souls lost, sympathises with the wounded and prays of an end to such ugly menace, not only in Kaduna State, but all over the federation.

“Moreover, the fact that both air and rail systems, out of Kaduna, have been compromised, it is to be expected that a sensitive government should protect the only route (Kaduna/Abuja highway). The ACF has described, as unacceptable, the frequency of such attacks on our towns and villages, highways and now train tracks and airports.

“The ACF cautions on what it terms as unnecessary attacks that stretches our security and economic services in the country. One can, easily, recall how the lives and economy of the Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, and Kaduna (Birnin Gwari and Southern parts of Kaduna), were damaged, and now, taking their turn on the infrastructure.”

The forum prevailed on AZMAN and Air Peace airlines to have a rethink over their resolve to suspend flights to Kaduna International Airport, saying such action contributes, negatively, to the resolve of the problems.

ACF called on northerners to remain positive and law-abiding, and not relent in their resilience and hope towards making lives better.