Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum, Inuwa Yahaya, has stated that Boko Haram insurgents have been weakened but not completely defeated. He made this statement during the 13th meeting of the forum in Maiduguri, Borno State. Yahaya identified insecurity as a major challenge still confronting northern Nigeria. The governor emphasized that despite efforts to combat the insurgency, Boko Haram continues to pose a threat to the region.
Yahaya highlighted that persistent insecurity has made it difficult for many people displaced by violence to safely return to their communities. He expressed concern over the slow pace of major development projects planned for the region. These projects include the Mambilla hydropower project, regional railway connections, and broadband expansion. The governor stressed the need for collective action to address the challenges facing the region.
The North is facing significant challenges in healthcare and education, despite progress recorded in some areas over the past six years. Yahaya reflected on the formation of the North East Governors' Forum in Gombe in March 2020. He said the initiative was driven by the need for collective action to address challenges that individual states could not tackle alone. The forum aims to promote regional cooperation and coordination.
According to Yahaya, insecurity, banditry, cross-border crime, poor infrastructure, inadequate power supply, and the humanitarian crisis remain issues requiring regional cooperation. The governor noted that the forum has recorded progress in areas including infrastructure, electricity, economic development, human capital development, and security. These achievements demonstrate the potential for regional collaboration to drive positive change.
Yahaya described the Kolmani oil exploration project as a major opportunity for the region. He stressed that the initiative must ultimately translate into oil production, employment opportunities, and increased government revenue. The project has the potential to boost economic growth and development in the region.
The governor emphasized that banditry and communal clashes are emerging as new threats to the region. He noted that Boko Haram has been weakened but not defeated, and that the group continues to launch attacks on communities. This underscores the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of insecurity.
The Northern States Governors' Forum will continue to work towards addressing the challenges facing the region. Yahaya's statement highlights the complexities of the security situation in northern Nigeria and the need for a multifaceted approach to address the issues. The forum's efforts aim to promote peace, stability, and development in the region.
Key points
- Boko Haram insurgents have been weakened but not completely defeated.
- Persistent insecurity has hindered the return of displaced persons to their communities.
- The region faces significant challenges in healthcare and education despite progress in some areas.
