ABUJA — Nigerian soldiers killed in ambush near Bangi in Niger State’s Mariga Local Government Area on June 24 has prompted widespread condemnation and urgent calls for governmental action. More than 20 soldiers died in the attack, which the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) labelled a “grim indicator of total security collapse in Northern Nigeria.” The forum views this incident as a critical failure in national security, undermining the safety of both citizens and security personnel.
NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere stated the assault by heavily armed terrorists was not merely an attack but “a declaration of war against the Nigerian state.” He lamented the loss of over 20 soldiers, describing them as “defenders of the nation” who were “slaughtered like animals.” This stark portrayal emphasizes the perceived brutality and the gravity of the situation.
The forum highlighted an “unrelenting campaign of terror” affecting multiple northern states, including Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, and Niger. This widespread violence has placed the entire region “under siege,” according to the NEF’s assessment. The group reports that communities are being systematically destroyed, homes torched, and lives devastated, with attackers operating with impunity.
Jiddere accused the federal government of failing its constitutional duty to protect citizens. He declared, “The patience of Northern citizens has run out.” This sentiment reflects deep public dissatisfaction with persistent insecurity and the perceived inadequacy of government responses to escalating threats.
The scale of loss resulting from the Nigerian soldiers killed in ambush underscores the urgency of the NEF’s demands. The group stressed that armed forces tasked with national defense should not be left vulnerable without adequate support, intelligence, or protection. This sentiment emphasizes the critical need for improved security infrastructure and strategy; indeed, the Northern Elders demand action is a response to these mounting failures.
Northern Elders Demand Action
In response to the crisis, the NEF is calling for an immediate State of Emergency on security across the Northern region. This includes urgent joint military and intelligence operations to dismantle armed groups. The forum insists a comprehensive, coordinated strategy is essential to restore order and prevent further loss of life.
Northern Elders Demand Action on Security
The NEF issued a stern warning that the government’s legitimacy is “at stake” due to its handling of the security crisis. “Enough is enough,” the forum stated, cautioning that continued delays or downplaying the crisis could be perceived as willful inaction or complicity. The continued attacks, like the incident where Nigerian soldiers were killed in ambush, reinforce the forum’s call for immediate and decisive governmental intervention to secure the nation.
By Abiodun Labi
