ADG Rejects Genocide Narrative, Calls for Northern Unity Against Insecurity
The Arewa Discussion Group (ADG) has issued a statement expressing grave concern over the escalating insecurity in Northern Nigeria and firmly rejected the “dangerous narratives” of genocide and sectarian conflict being peddled across the nation.
On behalf of the Chairman, Alhaji Maisudan Muhammed Bello, Tafidan Dutse, the group emphasized that mischaracterizing the crisis as a religious or ethnic genocide is misleading and divisive, threatening to tear apart the core fabric of their shared Northern identity.
Banditry is a “Shared Menace”
The ADG affirmed that the banditry, kidnapping, and violence plaguing their communities are blind to religion, tribe, or political affiliation. The group noted that farmers, travelers on highways, and students have all fallen victim, stressing that this shared menace requires a united front, not fragmentation driven by fear and suspicion.
The group implored all sons and daughters of Northern Nigeria to adhere to four key principles:
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* Reject Divisive Narratives: The ADG urged Northerners to stand firm against any rhetoric that labels the crisis as a genocide against any particular group, arguing such narratives only serve the interests of those who wish to see the region divided.
* Embrace Common Humanity: Citizens must see the pain of every Northerner, regardless of faith or ethnicity, as their own pain, leveraging unity as the region’s historical strength.
* Foster Collaborative Peacebuilding: The group called for increased support for community-based initiatives that mediate conflicts, foster dialogue, and rebuild trust.
* Push for Concerted Action: The ADG urged traditional institutions, religious leaders, and government at all levels to intensify efforts to strengthen security, deliver justice, and address the root causes of the menace, including poverty and lack of social infrastructure.
Mallam Ibrahim Dandakata, Acting Public Relations Officer for the ADG, concluded the statement by asserting that the future of Northern Nigeria must be navigated together. The group called for Northern unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to reclaiming the region from the grips of violence and fear.
By PRNigeria
