The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has challenged the Federal Government and governors in the North-West and North-Central to adopt a 45-day framework to tackle banditry through dialogue, stakeholder engagement and decisive action against armed groups that reject peace efforts.

The association said the proposed timeline should begin with two weeks of consultations with relevant stakeholders and groups, followed by about one month of implementing an agreed peace framework.

In a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Bello, KACRAN said the worsening insecurity in the two regions had resulted in killings, displacement, cattle rustling, destruction of property and restricted access to farmlands.

It urged the Federal Government, state governments, traditional institutions, religious leaders and political stakeholders to begin coordinated peace efforts immediately rather than wait until after the 2027 general elections.

According to the association, the security crisis poses a broader threat to Nigeria’s food supply because the North-West and North-Central remain major agricultural and livestock-producing areas.

KACRAN argued that the affected regions have sufficient population, human resources and political leadership to address banditry if governments demonstrate the necessary political will.

It also warned that delaying action until after the 2027 elections would prolong the displacement of communities and prevent farmers, livestock owners and other residents from returning to their economic activities.

The association cited Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani’s reported use of dialogue involving traditional rulers in addressing the conflict in Birnin Gwari as an example of how engagement could contribute to resolving longstanding security problems.

It also pointed to what it described as improvements recorded in parts of Katsina State following dialogue initiatives, urging other governors in the North-West and North-Central to consider similar approaches where applicable.

KACRAN commended Sani for what it described as his efforts towards peace, unity and economic development and encouraged other governors facing similar security challenges to adopt measures suited to their respective circumstances.

While placing dialogue at the centre of its proposed 45-day strategy, the association said negotiations should not be open-ended.

It maintained that armed groups that reject peace agreements should face firm and appropriate action from security agencies.

KACRAN said the continued reliance on military operations alone had not delivered the desired resolution to the insecurity crisis despite the significant resources committed to security operations.

The association also opposed the establishment of ethnic or tribal vigilante groups, warning that the creation of competing community-based armed formations could deepen tensions and produce further insecurity.

Instead, it called for a broader approach that combines conflict resolution with economic opportunities for young people, particularly in agriculture, livestock production, fisheries, industry and commerce.

According to KACRAN, reducing insecurity would also create the conditions necessary for economic recovery and allow the administration that emerges from the 2027 elections to focus on development rather than inherit an unresolved security crisis.

The association referenced Rwanda’s post-1994 recovery as an example of how determined leadership and coordinated efforts could help societies recover from severe conflict.

KACRAN consequently appealed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the governments of states in the North-West and North-Central to consider its proposed peace framework and begin implementation without delay.

The association condemned recent killings and attacks reported in Plateau, Taraba and Zamfara states, as well as incidents involving cattle rustling and destruction of property.

It called for an immediate and coordinated response involving government authorities, traditional institutions and community leaders, stressing that dialogue must be accompanied by effective measures against individuals and groups that continue to perpetrate violence.