The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), under the leadership of Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Gombe State governor, has strongly condemned the recent wave of violent attacks in parts of Kwara, Katsina and Benue States, describing the killings as barbaric, senseless and a direct affront to the nation’s collective conscience.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Isma’ila Uba Misilli, the director of press affairs to the Gombe State governor.
Yahaya, who chairs the forum, reacted to a series of deadly incidents, including attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where suspected terrorists struck on Tuesday night.
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In Katsina State, at least 20 people were reportedly killed in Doma A and Doma B communities of Tafoki Ward, Faskari Local Government Area. Similarly, an attack on Abande community in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State reportedly claimed the lives of scores of residents.
Speaking on behalf of the Northern Governors, Inuwa Yahaya expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities, and the governments and people of the three states.
“These heinous acts of violence are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he said. “The relentless targeting of defenceless citizens, including women, children and the elderly, exposes the inhumanity of the attackers and underscores the urgent need for firm and decisive action.”
The NSGF chairman commended the governors of Kwara, Katsina and Benue states for their leadership and resilience in the face of persistent security challenges, noting their continued efforts to support affected communities, strengthen local security structures and collaborate with federal authorities to restore peace.
He urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations to track down the perpetrators and their sponsors, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains a sacred duty of government.
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“The Northern Governors’ Forum stands firmly with our security agencies and urges them to deploy all lawful means necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice. These crimes must not go unpunished,” Inuwa Yahaya stated.
Reaffirming the Forum’s commitment to tackling insecurity, the Gombe State governor said northern governors would continue to work closely with the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders, combining robust security measures with intelligence-led policing and long-term socio-economic interventions.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims, asked for the speedy recovery of those injured, and called on citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in the collective fight against criminality.
