Northern Youth Leaders Warn Against Violence in Kebbi

The Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Discussion Forum has cautioned political actors in Kebbi State against violence and thuggery, warning that the fragile security situation in the North must not be worsened by reckless political activities. Speaking at a press conference held at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Thursday, the Director of Media and Public Affairs of […]

The Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Discussion Forum has cautioned political actors in Kebbi State against violence and thuggery, warning that the fragile security situation in the North must not be worsened by reckless political activities.

Speaking at a press conference held at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Thursday, the Director of Media and Public Affairs of the Forum, Muhammad Isah Imam, expressed deep concern over the rising political tension in Kebbi.

“We are saddened and greatly worried about recent violent political developments in Kebbi, a relatively peaceful state. Nigeria’s democracy was not given on a platter of gold some paid with their freedom and others with their lives. We cannot afford to allow politicians heat up the polity with violence,” Imam stated.

The Forum said recent incidents in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kogi showed worrying trends of violent clashes linked to political gatherings, stressing that Kebbi stands out because it involved high profile individuals.

The youth leaders urged security agencies and the intelligence community to emulate the proactive measures taken in Kaduna, where political gatherings were restricted to forestall violence.

“Contrary to democratic norms, the escalation of political violence in Kebbi is a threat to stability in the North and could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s fragile democracy. A relatively peaceful state like Kebbi cannot be allowed to descend into chaos,” Imam added.

The Forum called on the Police, INEC, and relevant security institutions to act swiftly, insisting that while freedom of expression and association are democratic rights, they must not come at the expense of peace and stability.