The Kebbi Development Forum, KDF, has sympathized with victims of the recent Lakurawa attack on eight communities in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi, where 35 persons were reportedly killed and several cattle rustled.
In a statement signed by the Chairman, KDF Executive Council, Dr Sa’idu Abubakar-Illo, and issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, the forum described the incident as barbaric and cowardly.
The forum extended its condolences to the Kebbi Government, the Argungu Emirate Council and the immediate family members over what it termed as a deeply unfortunate development.
It also conveyed sympathy to victims of similar bandit attacks recently reported in Shanga, Ngaski and Yauri Local Government Areas of the state.
The forum prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the incidents.
KDF further condemned alleged threats issued by bandits to communities in Besse and Zaria Kala-Kala in Koko-Besse local government area, as well as Utono in Ngaski local government area, where the criminals were said to be moving freely, preaching and coercing residents into submission.
The forum urged relevant authorities to take urgent and decisive action, warning that failure to promptly address the situation could heighten tensions in the affected communities and create conditions that may become more difficult to manage.
While appreciating the response of the Kebbi government and security agencies toward containing the violence and restoring normalcy, the forum called for a more decentralized security response mechanism.
It stressed the need to effectively mobilize and utilize local authorities and communities to swiftly tackle such challenges through stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
“Treating security challenges as the sole responsibility of the Federal or State Government is no longer sufficient, given the scale and complexity of the situation,” the statement said.
The forum emphasized that local institutions, including traditional and local government authorities, must be strengthened and empowered to provide timely relief and actively coordinate community-based efforts aimed at enhancing safety and resilience.
It also called on the federal government and the international community, particularly countries sharing borders with Nigeria, to collaborate in flushing out criminal elements perpetrating what it described as crimes against humanity.
The forum pledged its continued commitment to supporting efforts aimed at addressing both the root causes and manifestations of insecurity in Kebbi and the country at large.
NAN
