ACF Slams Attacks on Truck Drivers in Southeast, Demands Urgent Action

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly condemned the continued attacks on truck drivers in Southeast Nigeria, calling for urgent government intervention to end the violence.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF expressed deep concern over the rising cases of attacks on haulage truck drivers transporting goods across the region. The group criticized the alleged inaction of security agencies and authorities, warning that the situation poses a severe threat to national security.

“For years now, drivers of heavy-duty trucks conveying goods, including foodstuff and livestock, have faced brutal and unprovoked attacks in the Southeast,” the statement read. “These assaults have led to multiple deaths, destruction of vehicles, and looting of goods.”

The ACF accused armed groups, allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), of orchestrating these attacks, with disturbing video evidence circulating on social media. The group lamented that in some cases, victims’ corpses were even set ablaze.

Citing recent protests by the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Jos, Plateau State, the ACF noted that over 50 drivers and 100 trucks have been burned in the past eight years.

The northern group condemned what it described as a lack of decisive action from the federal and state governments, urging security agencies to crack down on the perpetrators. It also backed the possible suspension of goods transportation to and from the Southeast until the safety of truck drivers is guaranteed.

Furthermore, the ACF:
Extended condolences to the families of victims.
Called on federal and state authorities to swiftly bring perpetrators to justice.
Urged Southeast political and cultural leaders to publicly denounce the attacks and take action.
Demanded that the governments of Enugu and Imo states compensate victims for lost lives and damaged goods.

The ACF warned that if left unchecked, the ongoing violence could lead to wider instability and economic hardship, as the supply of essential goods to the region could be disrupted.