By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative (ACI) has issued a passionate plea for immediate action to address the growing insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna by its Director General, Dr Abdullahi Idris on the occasion of the 2025 International Day of Peace, emphasised that the region’s persistent conflicts, banditry, terrorism and violent rivalries have resulted in significant human suffering and loss.
He highlighted ACI the dire situation in states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau and Benue, where armed groups continue to wreak havoc on communities.
The initiative urged the federal government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to protect lives and foster peaceful coexistence.
ACI stressed the need to reject division and promote dialogue, celebrating diversity and addressing grievances constructively to bring communities together.
The organisation emphasised that peace requires justice, opportunity, and dignity, and that citizens must demand their rights to life, education, healthcare and development.
ACI called on security agencies to act decisively on intelligence and strengthen coordination to protect citizens. The initiative also urged leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors, to demonstrate real leadership by visiting victims, comforting the bereaved and empowering security agencies.
ACI pledged to champion good governance, encourage active citizen participation and promote community-driven peacebuilding.
ACI stressed the urgent need for collective action to address the country’s security challenges. With its call to “Act Now for a Peaceful North, a Peaceful Nigeria and a Peaceful World,” ACI emphasises that peace is not a luxury but a necessity for survival and progress.
