Northern Youths Warn of Rising Violence, Demand Security Agencies Call Malami to Order
By Uangbaoje Alex,
The Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Discussion Forum has raised alarm over what it described as the dangerous escalation of political violence in Kebbi State, accusing former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, of fueling unrest.
At a press conference in Arewa House, Kaduna, the youth leaders warned that unless security and intelligence agencies act swiftly, Kebbi could slide into chaos similar to other parts of the North already burdened by insecurity.
“Nigeria’s democracy was not given on a platter of gold. It came at a cost, with some paying with their freedom and others with their lives. That is why we cannot sit back and watch politicians overheat the polity with violence,” the group’s spokesperson, Muhammad Isah Imam, declared.
The Forum cited recent violent incidents in Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, and Kebbi States, but said the Kebbi situation stood out because of Malami’s involvement. According to them, a video showing Malami’s arrival at the airport—where he was received by weapon-wielding youths before violent clashes ensued—contradicts his claim of being on a mere condolence visit.
“As a former number one law officer of the Federation, one would expect Malami to seek lawful police protection. Instead, he chose to rely on youths brandishing weapons. That is unacceptable,” Imam said.
The Forum expressed disappointment that while police in Kaduna had swiftly banned political gatherings to forestall clashes, law enforcement in Kebbi had failed to act decisively, even after petitions and legal interventions.
They further stressed that with INEC yet to lift the embargo on political campaigns, the mobilisation of supporters and use of threatening language amounted to unlawful and dangerous politicking.
“Our call is simple: security and intelligence agencies must urgently call Malami to order before his actions plunge Kebbi and, by extension, Northern Nigeria, into crisis,” the Forum said.
The group insisted that while freedom of association and expression are constitutional rights, they must not be exercised at the expense of peace and stability.
“The escalation of political violence in the North, as seen with actors like Malami, is a direct threat to our fragile democracy. The time to act is now, before it is too late,” Imam concluded.
