Arewa Youths call for state of emergency in Zamfara over escalating security crisis

By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara State, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in response to the escalating crisis.

In a statement issued by the forum’s President General, Yerima Shettima, it was pointed out that despite previous successes by federal troops in combating banditry, the security situation in Zamfara has significantly worsened.

Armed groups have grown increasingly bold, launching brutal attacks on innocent civilians, displacing families, and creating an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness. Shettima emphasised that the people of Zamfara urgently need intervention to restore peace and security to their communities.

Shettima also drew attention to the role of the state government under Governor Dauda Lawal Dare, blaming the governor’s inaction, indifference, and lack of concern for the worsening security situation.

He argued that the governor’s failure to take decisive action against the bandits had directly contributed to the escalation of the crisis, adding that allegations of the misuse of public funds raised doubts about the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

The AYCF strongly believes that declaring a state of emergency is necessary to mobilise federal resources and restore law and order in the state. They have called on President Tinubu to take immediate action to protect the lives and properties of Zamfara residents and to hold the state government accountable for its failure to address the crisis.

“We stand with the people of Zamfara in their quest for safety, security, and justice. It is time for decisive action to end the suffering and restore hope to this beleaguered region,” the statement concluded