Governors from the Northern region convening in Kaduna for a critical gathering to address increasing violent incidents.
Today's (Saturday) gathering in Kaduna, organized by the Northern Governors' Forum (NGF), aims to tackle the escalating security crisis plaguing the region.
As our sources report, this meeting follows a wave of deadly attacks over the past fortnight that has tragically taken over 130 lives.
The summit, spearheaded by the NGF Chairman, Governor Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe State, will prioritize the surging violence, with security dominating the discussions. The Director-General of Press Affairs for the Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, confirmed the meeting's location and focus to Saturday Punch.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the meeting is not being deemed an "emergency meeting."
These recent events have seen civilian, military personnel, and local leaders fall victim to the escalating violence in critical states.
Besides Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, northern Nigeria is grappling with the Mahmuda group, also known as the Mallam Group – further confusing an already complex security landscape.
In addition to the Izge community ambush in Borno State that claimed the lives of an army captain and a soldier, other acts of violence have included the Mbatsada communities' coordinated attack in Benue State that resulted in four casualties, including APC chieftain Akaabo Johnson.
Further tragedies occurred in Bauchi State, with suspected bandits killing 25 individuals in a clash with local vigilantes, and another 19 deaths in a bandit attack on livestock in Gwana district. The ISIS fighters' attack on a military base in Yobe State left at least 11 soldiers dead, while Lakurawa terrorists ambushed seasonal hunters in Sokoto State, resulting in the loss of 13 lives.
Collaborative Efforts by Northern Governors
Confronted by this critical situation, northern governors have chosen to work together. Earlier in April, Governor Yahaya initiated discussions with fellow governors to devise a unified strategy to address the worsening security climate. Misilli stated that the outcome of these discussions would be revealed following the Kaduna meeting.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, who heads the North-West Governors' Forum, affirmed his participation in the meeting. However, he was uncertain about the specific agenda.
This meeting, attending 19 northern state governors, will take place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna.
A source close to the NGF Secretariat revealed that the meeting would primarily address the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states as well as persistent security challenges in the North-West.
"The governors will likely discuss enhanced security measures to protect citizens," the source shared with Saturday PUNCH. "We are deeply concerned about the state of security in our region, and we must work together to find viable solutions."
Preparatory discussions took place among secretaries to various state governors on Friday, preceding the main NGF meeting. Additionally, the North-West governors, consisting of seven states – Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara – are meeting tonight (Friday) before the larger gathering.
A press notice from the Chief Press Secretary to the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, Ibraheem Musa, informed the media of the North-West meeting: "Good day colleagues, the North-West Governors will be holding a meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House today (Friday) at 10pm. Apologies for the short notice."
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- The Northern Governors' Forum (NGF) met in Kaduna today to discuss the escalating security crisis in the region, following a wave of deadly attacks over the past fortnight that claimed over 130 lives.
- These attacks have affected not only civilians but also military personnel and local leaders across critical states, with the Mahmuda group adding to the complexity of the security landscape.
- The meeting, led by Governor Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe State, aims to prioritize the surging violence and devise a unified strategy to address the worsening security climate in northern Nigeria.
- Besides Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, the meeting will also address the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, as well as persistent security challenges in the North-West.
- The EFCC, army, and other relevant authorities are expected to be involved in the discussions, as the meeting emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts in tackling crime and justice issues, a significant part of the general news and politics agenda in Naija and Nigeria.
