Northern Youth Group Accuse Malami of Inciting Violence in Kebbi State

A northern youth advocacy group has raised alarm over what it describes as politically-motivated violence in Kebbi State, linking the unrest to the alleged activities of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

Speaking during a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, the Director of Media and Public Affairs of the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Discussion Forum, Muhammad Imam, warned that Kebbi—once one of the most peaceful states in the region—is sliding into instability.

Imam alleged that Malami’s recent visit to the state, which he claimed was for a condolence purpose, was instead marked by the movement of armed youths who accompanied him through various communities, sparking violent clashes that left several people injured and properties destroyed.

“Footage circulating online clearly shows armed youths moving with him through town, escalating tensions and triggering violence,” Imam said.

He criticized Malami for allegedly mobilizing crowds at a time when political campaigns have not yet been officially declared open by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the action as reckless and provocative.

The group also raised broader concerns about the growing use of violence as a political tool across northern Nigeria, warning that the trend, if left unchecked, could threaten the region’s fragile peace.

Imam took aim at what he called “selective enforcement” of the law by security agencies. He praised authorities in Kaduna State for their swift response to similar incidents but condemned the apparent inaction of security operatives in Kebbi.

He called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant agencies to immediately investigate and intervene in the situation before it escalates further.

“We urge the security agencies not to turn a blind eye to these developments. Kebbi must not be allowed to become the next flashpoint of political violence in the North,” Imam said.

The forum also appealed to civil society organizations and the media to closely monitor the situation in Kebbi State, warning that silence and indifference could embolden political actors to further destabilize the state.