Arewa Consultative Forum warns south-east governors over attacks on truck drivers.

By Divine Sam

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep concern over persistent attacks on truck drivers transporting goods from the North to the South-East, allegedly by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The forum described these attacks as a serious threat to national security, warning that they could lead to lawlessness and anarchy.

ACF Condemns Attacks on Northern Truck Drivers

In a statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF highlighted the alarming trend of heavy-duty truck drivers being subjected to violent, unprovoked attacks while traversing roads in the South-East. These assaults have reportedly resulted in the killing of drivers, burning of vehicles, and looting of goods.

According to the ACF, the perpetrators of these attacks openly identify as members of IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), targeting only northerners and northern-owned property. The group further alleged that videos of these gruesome acts, including the burning of victims’ corpses, have been shared on social media by the attackers.

Lack of Action from Authorities and Threat of Boycott

The ACF criticized security agencies and the federal government for their perceived inaction in curbing these attacks. It also lamented the silence of national and state authorities on the issue. Recently, the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) staged a protest in Jos, Plateau State, to draw attention to the crisis. The forum claimed that over the past eight years, more than 50 truck drivers and about 100 trailers have been set ablaze in the region.

Expressing its full support for the contemplation by NARTO and NURTW to halt the transportation of goods to and from the South-East, the ACF warned that no individual or group should be allowed to perpetrate murder, looting, arson, and vandalism against innocent citizens.

Call for Justice and Compensation

The ACF extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to take decisive action to curb the violence. It called for the perpetrators to be arrested and prosecuted, emphasizing the need for a state of emergency on the matter.

Furthermore, the ACF condemned what it described as “lip service” from South-East elites, political figures, and socio-cultural groups regarding the attacks. It urged them to take a firm stand against the violence.

In its final remarks, the ACF demanded that the governments of Enugu and Imo states provide full compensation to the families of the deceased, as well as those who suffered injuries and losses due to the attacks.