The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed its deep concern over the recent abduction of over 287 primary and secondary school pupils in Kaduna. Professor Muhammad Tukur Baba, the ACF National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement on Saturday stating that the incident appeared to be a preplanned operation.

In addition to the school abductions, Professor Baba highlighted another tragic event where terrorists attacked worshippers during Friday prayers in the Kwasakwasa community, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of two lives. He emphasized that these incidents serve as a somber reminder of the persistent presence of terrorists in the region.

The ACF called for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students and pupils, urging their safe return to their parents and guardians. The forum extended its sympathies to the Kwasakwasa community for the heinous attack and commended the swift response of the Kaduna State Government.

Furthermore, the ACF called on the security forces to implement more effective strategies to combat terrorism in affected communities. The forum demanded the deployment of new measures, including the proposed Special Schools Security Scheme, Schools Vigilante Force, and Anti-Kidnapping Squads in states prone to such acts of terror.

The ACF urged the Federal Government to move beyond issuing directives to the security forces and take concrete actions to rescue the abducted students. It emphasized the need for tangible results within specific time frames, rather than mere rhetoric. The forum stressed that the time has come to eradicate terrorism completely from the country and protect the lives and well-being of its citizens.