CNG Blames Foreign Interlopers for Northern Insecurity, Warns Against Ethnic Division
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has issued a stern warning against the rising tide of ethnic and religious division in Northern Nigeria, alleging that foreign actors are exploiting local tensions to destabilize the region.
In a statement released by National Coordinator Jamilu Charanchi, the group condemned the recent “brutal and inhumane” attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States, which resulted in significant loss of life and mass abductions.
Deadly Attacks Spark Concern
The CNG highlighted two specific incidents that underscore the deteriorating security situation:
- Plateau State: At least 14 people were killed in an attack on Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.
- Kaduna State: 13 people were killed and several others abducted during an assault on a wedding party in Kagarko Local Government Area.
The group described the targeting of civilians as a “grave assault on humanity” and expressed alarm over reports of retaliatory mob violence by youths in Plateau. Charanchi warned that reprisal attacks only serve the interests of those seeking to tear communities apart.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
A significant portion of the statement focused on the influence of “foreign interlopers” and non-state actors. The CNG accused these entities of manipulating existing social fault lines to advance agendas aimed at destabilizing Nigeria.
Charanchi cautioned against the profiling of individuals based on their ethnic or religious identity, noting that such narratives play directly into the hands of external agitators.
A Call for Strategic Shifts
The coalition criticized the current security apparatus, noting that recurring attacks reveal critical gaps in intelligence, coordination, and proactive measures. > “Authorities must adopt sustainable strategies that address the root causes of insecurity, rather than relying solely on reactive responses,” the statement read.
The CNG’s formal demands include:
- Government Accountability: Decisive action from federal and state governments to fulfill their constitutional mandate of protecting lives.
- Swift Justice: The immediate apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators to rebuild public confidence.
- Community Restraint: A plea to religious and community leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could escalate the crisis.
The CNG concluded by expressing solidarity with the victims’ families and urged citizens to remain law-abiding while maintaining a united front against forces threatening regional stability.
