In a communique signed by the Spokesperson, NEF Prof Abubakar Jiddere, they expressed deep concern over several violent attacks, abductions and killings across the region, stating that if a state of emergency is not declared, it might lead to self-help situation and anarchy, and currently it is a threat to Nigeria’s stability and regional peace.
Although the forum pledged to continue monitoring developments while engaging stakeholders nationally and internationally to ensure urgent relief for affected Northern communities.
The NEF explained that the Federal Government has to do the needful, so as not to jeopardise national cohesion, democratic sustainability, stability of the polity, and regional peace; therefore, the Tinubu-led administration, without delay, should meet their demand of declaring state of emergency in line with the constitution and international obligations to protect lives and property.
The spokesman also pointed a bloody attack on a mosque in Unguwan Mantau Village on August 19, where armed assailants killed 27 worshippers and injured others during early morning prayers, also making hundreds of people were displaced.
They also made mention of the execution of 35 abductees in Zamfara State despite ransom payments, as well as two separate attacks in Kaduna State’s Kauru and Kudan Local Government Areas, LGAs, which killed eight persons while eight others were injured.
Jiddere said: “Declaring a State of Emergency in Northern Nigeria, acknowledging the extraordinary scale of the crisis.
“Deploying adequately trained, armed, and equipped security forces with clear rules of engagement to protect civilian populations and secure international border regions.
“Provide adequate compensation, rehabilitation, and humanitarian assistance to victims including displaced persons, in line with international humanitarian standards.
“Strengthening border control and regional cooperation with neighbouring states under ECOWAS and the African Union protocols, to stem cross-border incursions by armed criminal groups.
“Engaging international partners, including the African Union, AU, and United Nations, UN, for technical and humanitarian support.”
He also added that, “The NEF observes with deep regret that the state security architecture remains inadequate, overstretched, and in some cases complicit through inaction and silence, leaving citizens vulnerable and helpless while eroding public trust in government institutions.
“Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), states that the inherent right to life shall be protected by law, and no one shall arbitrarily be deprived of life.
“The recurring atrocities in Northern Nigeria constitute serious breaches of these obligations, and in their scale and persistence, will amount to crimes against humanity under international law and humanitarian cases.”
