The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State, following “the deteriorating security situation in the state.”

The President General of the forum, Yerima Shettima, in a statement on Sunday, noted that despite earlier successes recorded by federal troops in combating banditry, the situation in Zamfara has worsened significantly.

According to him, “armed groups have become increasingly emboldened, launching brazen attacks on innocent civilians, displacing families, and creating an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness. The people of Zamfara are in desperate need of immediate intervention to restore peace and security to their communities.”

He highlighted the role of the state government under Governor Dauda Lawal Dare in the escalating crisis, saying that the Governor’s “inaction, indifference, and total lack of concern for the plight of the citizens have directly contributed to the worsening security situation.”

Instead of taking decisive action to confront the bandits, Shettima alleged that the governor has demonstrated a total lack of preparedness and capacity to challenge the criminal elements, stating, “allegations of the excessive pillage of public funds have raised serious questions about the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people.”

The AYCF stated that they firmly believe a state of emergency is necessary to mobilise federal resources and restore law and order in Zamfara State, and therefore urged President Tinubu to take this critical step to protect the lives and property of the citizens and to hold the state government accountable for its failures.

He stated that the forum stands with the people of Zamfara in their quest for safety, security, and justice, stressing that it is time for decisive action to end the suffering and restore hope to the beleaguered region.

Insecurity: AYCF calls for state of emergency in Zamfara State