Alhaji Shettima Yerima, President-General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), has voiced concerns over the activities of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa.
This group has reportedly expanded to Kaduna and Niger States after launching fatal attacks in Kebbi and Sokoto States.
Shettima attributed the resurgence of the group to the inefficiency of the security architecture under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
According to him, had the federal government taken decisive action against the group six years ago, the current situation could have been avoided.
In an interview with Sola Ojo in Kaduna, Shettima expressed confidence in the capacity of the Tinubu administration to effectively address the issue. Below are key highlights of his remarks:
On Lakurawa’s Resurgence
Shettima emphasized that any security threat must be treated seriously.
He recalled that during the tenure of former Sokoto State Governor Waziri Tambuwal, strong governmental pressure forced the group to retreat. However, he expressed concern that they have returned and called for proactive measures to prevent further escalation.
Government’s Response So Far
He praised the swift actions of the new administration, particularly the efforts of the acting Chief of Army Staff and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Shettima highlighted the recent disbandment of notorious bandit leaders and the noticeable reduction in mass kidnappings as signs of progress.
On Crime in the Region
Shettima acknowledged that no region in the world is entirely free of crime but expressed optimism that the ongoing security measures would neutralize Lakurawa, just as Boko Haram and other threats have been contained.
Recommendations to the Government
He urged the federal government to:
Strengthen border security to prevent the group from establishing a foothold.
Build trust between civilians and security agencies to enhance local intelligence gathering.
Take proactive measures rather than reactive responses to threats.
On the Northern Economy
Shettima admitted that insecurity has significantly damaged the northern economy, particularly affecting youth engagement. However, he remains optimistic that economic recovery will follow the successful containment of insecurity.
Political Implications
Shettima defended Minister Bello Matawalle against protests, attributing them to political opposition.
He praised President Tinubu’s intelligence in navigating political challenges and urged patience, noting that repairing years of damage will take time.
In conclusion, Shettima called for continued support for the Tinubu administration, emphasizing that collective efforts are needed to restore peace and security to the region.
