In a concerted effort to address the pressing issues of kidnapping, banditry, and insecurity plaguing the Northern region, the Governors of the 19 Northern States, operating under the umbrella of the Northern Governors’ Forum, convened in Kaduna on Friday.
The meeting, hosted by the Kaduna State Governor, marked the first assembly of the governors since their emergence in the May 2023 general elections.
Amidst discussions on matters of regional importance, the governors tackled critical topics such as insecurity, agriculture, oil exploration, and expressed solidarity with Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State over the tragic accidental airstrike in Tudun Biri, Igabi LGA, attributed to the Nigerian Army.
Present at the gathering were notable figures, including Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State and deputy governors from Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Yobe, and Kwara states, representing their respective state governors.
Chairing the forum, Alhaji Muhammad Yahaya, the Governor of Gombe State, addressed his colleagues, emphasizing the urgency of collaborative efforts to combat the pervasive insecurity in the Northern region.
While commending the Federal Government’s initiatives in the fight against insecurity, Governor Yahaya underscored the need for additional measures to bring an end to kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes, and terrorism that continue to afflict the North.
Governor Yahaya affirmed that addressing these security challenges is pivotal for the overall development and well-being of the people in the region. Furthermore, he assured that the Northern Governors’ Forum, under his leadership, is actively engaged in ensuring a thorough investigation into the Tudun Biri incident, with a commitment to compensating the victims and implementing preventive measures to avert future occurrences.
He stated, “As governors of northern states, while we are commending the Federal Government over the fight against insecurity, we believe that more needs to be done to bring an end to kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and terrorism bedevilling our region.”
Governor Uba Sani, as the chief host, lamented the escalating insecurity in the North and proposed the establishment of a Command and Control Centre.
This proposed center would coordinate joint operations aimed at tackling terrorism and other related crimes, fostering a more strategic and collaborative approach to security in the region.
In a demonstration of solidarity, the Northern Governors announced a donation of N180 million to the victims of the accidental bomb incident in Tudun Biri village.
The Chairman of the forum, Governor Yahaya, presented a symbolic cheque alongside his colleagues during the inaugural meeting.
This collective contribution serves as a tangible manifestation of the governors’ commitment to supporting the affected community and addressing the repercussions of the unfortunate incident.
As the Northern Governors’ Forum consolidates its efforts to combat insecurity and promote regional development, this gathering marks a crucial step towards fostering unity, collaboration, and proactive measures to enhance the security landscape in the Northern states.
