In a rare and resounding show of outrage, Northern traditional rulers, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, have delivered a thunderous call to action, urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to end the unrelenting bloodshed and insecurity plaguing the region.
Speaking at the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council held in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Sultan minced no words as he declared that traditional leaders are “more concerned than politicians” about the deteriorating security situation and are ready to raise a unified voice against the carnage.
“Our coming together as traditional rulers — and we are over 86 in number across the North — is to say in one voice: enough is enough! These senseless killings of innocent people must stop,” the Sultan declared passionately, according to Daily Trust.
Despite years of public condemnations, press releases, and high-level meetings, the Sultan lamented that the killings have not abated but rather escalated, becoming more brazen and devastating.
“How many more statements of condemnation must we issue before something tangible is done? How many more lives must be lost before our political leaders and security forces act decisively?” the Sultan questioned, visibly pained.
He spoke emotionally of the psychological toll the violence is taking on traditional rulers and their communities.
“We feel terrible. We feel saddened and helpless when our people are murdered by unknown assailants. We are custodians of peace and culture, but our hands are tied when there is no genuine will from those in power to protect our people.”
Behind closed doors, the council deliberated on the resurgence of Boko Haram and growing banditry across the North, especially in remote corners of Borno State. The Sultan revealed troubling reports indicating that insurgents are regaining ground in places like Wulgo, Sabon Gari, Wajirko, and Izge — towns where military formations have allegedly been overrun.
“Insha Allah, with God’s help, we will rise again. We shall defeat Boko Haram. But we must all be ready to act, not just talk,” he said.
The Sultan also addressed the dangers of ethnic and religious profiling, warning that criminals exist in all groups and should be treated as individuals, not representatives of their communities.
“In every tribe, in every religion, you will find both good and bad people. Let us not scapegoat any group. Crime has no ethnicity, no faith.”
He cited the recent massacres in Plateau, Sokoto, and Kebbi States — where more than 100 lives were lost within a week — as tragic evidence of a failing security architecture.
“It is heartbreaking that people are killed in broad daylight and no one is arrested. It has become a norm to wake up to news of mass killings. How did we get here?”
The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented at the event by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, stressed that lasting peace in the North must begin with empowering its restless and underserved youth population.
“We are sitting on a powder keg,” Shettima warned. “Our youth are energetic and eager to contribute but are starved of opportunities. That vacuum, if left unaddressed, will be filled by violent extremism and crime. We must urgently invest in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.”
Governor Zulum echoed the same urgency, calling for a revitalization of agriculture — the economic bedrock of the region — as a way to combat poverty, idleness, and insurgency.
“Without agriculture, there is no economy in the North. We must double our efforts in enhancing food production and supporting our farmers,” Zulum said.
Also speaking at the meeting was the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Kenechikwu Onwuemelie of Zone 15. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach.
“Security is not the sole responsibility of government or security forces. It must be a collective effort. We in the Nigeria Police Force remain committed to working hand in hand with traditional institutions and communities to restore peace.”
This high-powered gathering came at a critical time, as security challenges across northern Nigeria continue to escalate — from resurging insurgency in the northeast, to mass killings and banditry in the northwest and north-central regions.
For the Sultan and his fellow monarchs, this meeting was not just another ceremonial gathering. It was a desperate cry — a battle cry — for the soul of the North, and a bold challenge to a federal government many now accuse of watching in silence while communities are decimated.
Their message is simple but powerful: Enough is enough.
PIONEER NEWS 