Author: Gist Correspondent

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has condemned the recent wave of violent attacks and killings in parts of Kwara, Katsina and Benue states, describing the incidents as barbaric, senseless and a direct affront to the nation’s collective conscience.

The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Gombe by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, through his media aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli.

Governor Yahaya expressed deep grief over the loss of innocent lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities, as well as the governments and people of the three states.

He said the persistent targeting of defenceless citizens, including women, children and the elderly, underscored the inhumanity of the attackers and highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to curb insecurity.

“These heinous acts of violence are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. The relentless attacks on innocent Nigerians lay bare the cruelty of the perpetrators and reinforce the necessity for firm and coordinated responses,” he said.

The NSGF chairman commended the governors of Kwara, Katsina and Benue for their resilience and leadership in responding to recurring security challenges, particularly their efforts to support affected communities and collaborate with federal authorities to restore peace.

He called on security agencies to step up intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations to identify and apprehend those responsible, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government.

“The Northern Governors’ Forum stands firmly with our security agencies and urges them to deploy all lawful means to ensure that the perpetrators and their sponsors are brought to justice. These crimes must not go unpunished,” Yahaya stated.

He reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to tackle insecurity through a mix of robust security measures, intelligence-driven policing and long-term socio-economic interventions.

Yahaya also prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and for the speedy recovery of those injured, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies in the collective fight against criminality.

The condemnation followed deadly attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where suspected terrorists struck on Tuesday night.

It also comes amid reports of the killing of at least 20 persons in Doma A and Doma B communities of Tafoki Ward in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

In Benue State, scores of residents were reportedly killed in a separate attack on Abande community in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area.