Sarduana Day: End Insecurity Now – Group Urges Northern Leaders

The Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development (RAID) has challenged leaders in Northern Nigeria to urgently confront the region’s worsening insecurity, saying the crisis can no longer be met with “silence, denial or fragmented efforts.”

RAID made the call on Friday at a breakfast session with journalists to commemorate Sardauna Memorial Day, a date the group said it deliberately set aside every year for reflection and inspiration from the life and legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.

The text was read on behalf of RAID by Comrade Bitako Abubakar Umar, Director, Communications and Publicity, who thanked members of the press and stakeholders for honouring the invitation and for what the group described as their commitment to reporting “with accuracy and responsibility.”

RAID also said the annual memorial is organised in recognition of the enduring commitments of Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to unity, education, good governance, social justice and the development of the North within a united Nigeria.

Umar disclosed that this year’s commemoration would feature a National Convention of Northern Nigeria, to be hosted by RAID in conjunction with key Northern stakeholders across political, traditional, religious, youth, women, civil society, professional and business groups.

He said the convention would present “to the world” the collective positions of Northern Nigeria on security and the politico-economic state of the region.

RAID insisted that the proposed convention “is not a partisan gathering,” describing it instead as a “strategic and historic platform” for consensus-building, honest reflection and forward-looking engagement on the future of the North.

The group said the move was coming against the backdrop of what it called “consistent and deliberate blackmail, negligence and sordid infiltration” of Northern unity by “some identified elements in the geography of Nigeria and their external associates.”

RAID listed what it called deep, interrelated challenges facing the region, including insecurity manifested in banditry, terrorism by Boko Haram and ISWAP, farmer–herder clashes, kidnappings and communal violence.

It also raised concerns over widespread poverty and unemployment, especially among youths; an education crisis marked by a high out-of-school children population, weak learning outcomes and declining infrastructure; decaying infrastructure affecting roads, power supply, healthcare, water resources and industrial growth; as well as governance and leadership deficits limiting effective policy implementation and sustainable development.

According to RAID, the challenges threaten not only the stability of Northern Nigeria but also the “unity, security and prosperity” of the entire country.

RAID said the convention would present a “clear, unified and people-driven direction” for Northern Nigeria, including a shared vision for security, development and inclusive governance.

It added that it would outline the values and leadership principles expected of those seeking political power in 2027, as well as strategic policy priorities in security reform, education, economic empowerment, infrastructure and social cohesion.

The group also pledged a renewed commitment to unity within the North and “constructive partnership with all regions of Nigeria,” saying the direction would be presented not only to political actors but also to Nigerians at home and abroad, development partners and the global community.

In its conclusion, RAID said honouring the memory of the Sardauna should come with a resolve to “rise above division, reject mediocrity and place the welfare of our people above personal and sectional interests.”

The group said it remained committed to mobilising “ideas, people and institutions” for a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Northern Nigeria, calling on Northern stakeholders, Nigerians of goodwill and global partners to join what it described as a historic effort.