By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The Director General of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, has declared that the North is bleeding needing urgent, coordinated, and decisive action to address the escalating insecurity in the region.
Speaking at a press conference held in Bauchi on Sunday, March 29th, Abdullahi Idris described the current security situation as one of the most profound and persistent challenges facing the region in its history.
He emphasized that the rising wave of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and communal clashes poses a serious threat to the safety of citizens, the stability of communities, and the future of the North.
“This is not merely a routine engagement, It is a necessary call to collective reflection and urgent action. The time for rhetoric alone has passed. What we need now is commitment, coordination, and concrete action,” he added.
The Director General, Arewa Cohesion during the conference highlighted the devastating humanitarian impact of the crisis, noting that thousands of families have been displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and communities plunged into poverty and food insecurity.
He further warned that the disruption of education and exposure to violence is placing an entire generation of young people at risk.
Abdullahi Idris identified key root causes of insecurity to include youth unemployment, poverty, weak local governance structures, the proliferation of small arms, and a growing breakdown of trust between communities and security agencies.
He stressed that security must be seen as a shared responsibility, calling on community leaders, civil society, and citizens to actively participate in peacebuilding efforts.
He underscored the critical role of traditional and religious leaders in fostering unity, intelligence gathering, and conflict resolution at the grassroots level.
The Area Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative outlined key recommendations to include strengthening Security architecture which means increased deployment of trained personnel to high-risk areas, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced coordination among security agencies.
Also, community-based security approach which has to do with support and regulation of community policing structures, with stronger collaboration between local communities and formal security institutions.
Another is economic and social interventions which will translate to implementation of targeted youths employment and empowerment programs, alongside increased investment in education, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
Also, justice and accountability which is ensuring swift prosecution of criminal elements and addressing impunity to restore public trust as well as humanitarian support and rehabilitation which means the provision of relief materials for displaced persons, rebuilding of affected communities, and restoration of livelihoods.
Abdullahi Idris reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working collaboratively with government agencies, security institutions, community leaders, and development partners to chart a sustainable path toward peace and stability.
“The challenges before us are grave but not insurmountable,” he concluded. “Our people deserve to live without fear, and our children deserve a future filled with opportunity, not violence. This must be the turning point where words give way to action,” he stressed.
The public may recall that the former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafaraw is the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative recently launched in July 2025 at the historic Arewa House Kaduna State in response to the growing socio-political and security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria and, by extension, the nation at large.
The rationale behind the creation of the Initiative is deeply rooted in the urgent need to rebuild trust, restore peace, and foster sustainable development in communities increasingly fractured by violence, poverty, and disunity.
Members of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative
Leave a Comment