close
Sunday, January 25, 2026

Northern group raises alarm over rising killings, kidnappings

The group noted that the recurring incidents posed serious threat to the social fabric of the region.

• January 25, 2026
Bandits attack
Bandits used to illustrate the story (Credit: Premium Times)

The Northern Reconciliation Group (NRG) has expressed concern over the escalating violent attacks, abductions, kidnappings and banditry across Northern states.

NRG, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Kaduna, called for an urgent and collective action to end the menace.

The statement was jointly signed by Joseph Lengmang, pro tempore secretary of the group, and Usman Yusuf, the group’s pro tempore spokesperson.

According to the statement, the persistent insecurity in rural and semi urban communities has continued to expose families to fear, grief and uncertainty.

The NRG extended solidarity to the victims of violent attacks and communities that had suffered loss of lives, displacement and destruction of livelihoods.

It noted that the recurring incidents posed serious threat to the social fabric of the region.

“As a non partisan group committed to peace through dialogue, healing and reconciliation, we affirm that the protection of life and human dignity is the most fundamental obligation of governance,” the statement said.

The statement said persistent insecurity across Northern Nigeria should no longer be viewed as isolated or localised incidents, but as a regional and national security emergency requiring urgent, coordinated and humane responses.

It called for the intensification of lawful and intelligence driven operations to secure the release of abducted persons and dismantle criminal networks operating across the region.

The statement also urged the decisive implementation of enhanced security measures and early warning systems tailored to protecting vulnerable communities.

It called for a renewed commitment to justice, accountability and community driven approaches to rebuild trust between citizens and state institutions.

The statement quoted the group as saying that its appeal was made in the spirit of unity and shared responsibility, stressing that “human security must rise above ethnic, religious and political divisions.”

It further reaffirmed the NRG’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restoring safety, dignity and lasting peace in Northern Nigeria through inclusive and honest dialogue.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Fuel pump

Hot news Home top

Petrol, diesel, LPG prices will continue to decline, FG assures Nigerians

Mr Mohammed added that Nigeria’s economic growth depended heavily on the rapid expansion of locally owned midstream assets.

ARMED POLICE OFFICERS

States

Ondo police rescue two abducted victims

The police spokesman said the rescue followed a reported case of abduction.

LASEMA’s Eagle Squad

Lagos

No casualties as fire breaks out at SAPID Container Terminal in Lagos

According to the statement, the incident occurred on January 24, prompting the deployment of LASEMA’s Eagle Squad to the scene.

Pupils sitting for common entrance exams

Heading 2

NABTEB extends timeline for 2026 entrance exam registration  

Mr Mohammed said the board had approved a four-month registration window for the examination.

Heroin used to tell the story

Abuja

NDLEA nabs Brazilian lady with N3 billion worth of heroin at Abuja airport

A statement on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi stated that the drugs were concealed in factory-sealed coffee packs.

South-West map

States

State police necessary for Nigeria’s multifaceted society: South-West Stakeholders 

They argued that the state police would reduce reliance on the federal and central command.