by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Group, under the aegis of ‘Arewa Cohesion for Unity Peace and Development Initiative’ (ACI), has lambasted northern elites for often finding greater pride in staging flamboyant social ceremonies amidst insecurity ravaging the region’s communities, rather than convening serious solution-driven summits to address the core issue of insecurity.
The group also lamented that the situation has grew worse, following alleged refusal of security agencies to act decisively on intelligence at its disposal, leaving state governors handicapped and citizens abandoned.
Director-General of the group, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, made these revelations in a speech delivered Sunday in commemoration of the International Day of Peace, with a theme: ‘Act Now for a Peaceful World.’
According to him, the Northern states have continued to bleed from avoidable conflicts, banditry, terrorism, farmer/herder clashes, kidnappings, and violent political rivalries that have robbed the region of peace, prosperity, and hope.
The DG stressed that, “It’s disturbing to note that at a time when Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, and many other states are under siege from armed groups, the elites are prided in flamboyant social lives.
“As the world marks the 2025 International Day of Peace, under the theme, ‘Act Now for a Peaceful World,’ we in Northern Nigeria must pause and reflect deeply on where we stand.
“Our region continues to bleed from avoidable conflicts, banditry, terrorism, farmer/herder clashes, kidnappings, and violent political rivalries that have robbed us of peace, prosperity, and hope.
“It is disturbing that at a time when Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, and many other states are under siege from armed groups, our elites often find greater pride in staging flamboyant social ceremonies than in convening serious solution-driven summits to address the insecurity destroying our communities.
“Worst of all is the refusal of security agencies to act decisively on intelligence at their disposal, leaving state governors handicapped and citizens abandoned.
“We live in a society that too often glorifies wealth, power, and spectacle, while poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and mass displacement tighten their grip on our people.
“We must shift from celebrating vanity to rewarding integrity, selfless leadership, and genuine action for peace. Unless such a change in values take place, the North risks remaining trapped in a vicious cycle of misplaced priorities and perpetual underdevelopment,” ACI stated.
The group emphasized that “Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative” (ACI) stands for a different path, declaring that, “On this International Day of Peace, Federal Government must act beyond rhetoric.
“The killings, kidnappings, and destruction of livelihoods must no longer be met with empty statements. Protecting lives and fostering peaceful coexistence must become the nation’s most urgent priority.
“We must reject division. For centuries, Northerners have lived side-by-side across faiths, ethnicities, and cultures. We cannot allow selfish politicians or profiteers of conflict to turn brothers against brothers,” ACI stated.
They advocated for dialogue in place of exclusion, celebration of diversity, grievances addressed constructively, and the dire need to bring communities together in mutual respect.
ACI also urged communities to rise to the action, adding that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but presence of justice, opportunity, and dignity.
“Our people must demand their rights to life, education, healthcare, development, and happiness. ACI acknowledges the modest efforts already being undertaken by government and security agencies to restore peace in parts of the North.
“These steps, though commendable, remain insufficient in the face of the scale and persistence of violence. We, therefore, urge them to redouble their commitment, act on intelligence swiftly, and strengthen coordination to protect the lives and dignity of citizens,” they added.
The DG said ACI is committed to mobilizing enlightenment campaigns across Northern Nigeria, pointing out that it will champion good governance, encourage active citizen participation, and promote community-driven Peace-building.
“Above all, we will continue to remind leaders that peace is not a luxury; it is a necessity for survival and progress.
“Today, on the 2025 International Day of Peace, our call is clear: Act Now for a Peaceful North. Act Now for a Peaceful Nigeria. Act Now for a Peaceful World,” it emphasized.
The group, therefore, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governors of Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Benue, Borno, Plateau, Taraba, Kogi and, indeed all Northern leaders, that silence and selective engagements are no longer acceptable.
“You must rise to the urgency of this moment. Visit the victims, comfort the bereaved, empower security agencies to act on credible intelligence, and demonstrate real leadership.
“History will not forgive inaction when action was most needed. The time for complacency is over. The time for action is now,” it stated.