Association Advises Northern Leaders On Regional Security, Development

Chairman of the Vegetable and Fruits Sellers Association in Utako Market, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Hamza Mu’azu Karwai, has called on northern leaders to rise to their responsibility of safeguarding and advancing the region.

Speaking to journalists in his office, Karwai criticised what he described as a pattern of silence and inaction among prominent northern bodies, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF).

According to him, these groups must do more to defend the North and speak boldly on issues affecting millions of residents in the region.

Karwai argued that Northern leaders “cannot continue sealing their mouths and acting as mere observers” while insecurity and underdevelopment persist. He stressed that leadership requires courage, not hesitation:

“They should always be ready to call a spade a spade — not saying ‘I am not sure’ or ‘I can’t say anything.’ It cannot be business as usual.

They must stand for the truth in protecting the North, no matter what others may say.”

He urged Northern socio-political organizations to emulate their counterparts in the South, who he said often take more assertive positions on regional matters. “If they cannot do 100 percent, they should at least achieve 50 — not below 40,” he said, rating what he considers poor performance by Northern leaders.

Karwai cited recent tragic incidents as evidence of worsening insecurity and inadequate response from authorities. He recalled the deadly attack on travelers heading for a wedding from Zaria to Plateau State, in which 12 people were killed and 20 injured when their vehicle was ambushed and burnt.

“Up till now, nothing has happened. No news about what was done to those who committed the offence,” he lamented, warning that continued silence may embolden attackers.

He also referenced the killing of 16 Northern travelers in Edo State, noting that the situation could have spiraled into a national crisis had the incident occurred in Kano. “Nobody knows what would have happened,” he said.

Karwai further mentioned the Tudun Biri tragedy in Kaduna and other unresolved attacks across the North as examples of persistent violence that has not been met with decisive action.

He warned that unless Northern leaders step up, the region risks deeper instability. “It is becoming unpredictable — nobody knows what will happen next. Maybe the whole nation will be affected,” he said.