BY LUKA BINNIYAT

KADUNA — The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Thursday condemned the attack on the convoy of Governor Gabriel Suswan by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue State last week.
It also lamented the high level of insecurity in the country.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim in Kaduna.

The statement read, “The recent attack on the convey of the Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam while on assessment tour of villages destroyed as a result of communal clashes between the Tiv and some suspected herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area ,was most shocking and unfortunate. If the convey of a state governor with all the paraphernalia of security details could be so attacked by some bandits, what hope does the common man have in the Government that is primarily responsible for his security and welfare?

”The ACF once more wishes to urge the federal and all the northern state governments on the need to re- double their efforts and be proactive in tackling security challenges in their domains. Communities must also be vigilant and monitor suspicious people within their midst; get involved in intelligence gathering and alert security agencies in good time.

”The call by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll, that a judicial commission of inquiry be instituted to unravel the causes of frequent clashes between the farmers and herdsmen in several states including Benue is most welcome and should be seriously considered by government.

”ACF calls on the two communities to urgently sheath their swords, stop reprisal attacks and embrace peace. Community leaders should also refrain from making inflammatory remarks capable of destroying the peace being brokered by various leaders. ACF commends the Benue State government’s effort in providing rehabilitation facilities to alleviate the sufferings of the displaced persons and the bereaved families.

“ACF commiserates with Governor Suswam on the unfortunate incident and extends its condolences to the bereaved families who had lost their loved ones in the ethnic/ communal strife.”