The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has issued a strong condemnation of the repeated and unprovoked attacks on drivers of haulage trucks in the South East of Nigeria. In a statement, the ACF expressed grave concern over these attacks, which have been ongoing for several years and have resulted in the tragic loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of business activities.
According to the ACF, these attacks are being carried out by armed groups, including those affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The attackers have primarily targeted Northerners and northern-owned businesses, especially those involved in the transportation of goods such as foodstuffs and cattle. The violence has led to the murder of drivers, the burning of vehicles, and looting of goods in transit. The perpetrators have even posted videos of their gruesome actions online, taunting the public and glorifying their violent deeds.
ACF has expressed its alarm at the apparent lack of response from both the state and federal governments, as well as national security agencies, to these brazen acts of terror. The forum warned that the continued attacks pose a serious threat to national security, as they have the potential to ignite widespread chaos and undermine law and order across the region.
In response to the escalating violence, the ACF has expressed full support for the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), who have threatened to halt the transportation of goods to and from the South East until the situation is brought under control. The forum emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action by the government to stop the violence and bring the perpetrators to justice. ACF has also called for a state of emergency to be declared on the matter to prevent further escalation of the attacks.
Additionally, the ACF has criticized the silence or lip service displayed by political elites, socio-cultural groups, and leaders in the South East. The forum urged them to publicly condemn the violence and take a firm stance against the attacks on innocent citizens and businesses, particularly those owned by Northerners.
In its statement, ACF also extended condolences to the families of the victims and called for the authorities to intensify their efforts in apprehending those responsible for the brutal attacks. The forum stressed that no individual or group should be allowed to carry out acts of murder, looting, arson, and vandalism without facing justice.
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