North-east governors vow to tackle insurgency

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

Governors of the six North-East states yesterday vowed to unveil concrete mechanisms to tackle the persistent security challenges and bloodshed occasioned by the violent campaigns launched by the Boko Haram insurgents in the zone.

Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe state dropped the hint when he, alongside Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state and the Taraba state Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar paid a solidarity visit to Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima at the Government House in Maiduguri.

Governor Dankwambo observed that the governors were seriously worried over the endless bloody attacks on innocent citizens especially in Borno and Yobe states, urgent steps must be taken to reverse the ugly trend.

According to him, governors of the zone resolved to form a consultative forum and map out Marshal Plan of action which would ensure restoration of peace and harmony for rapid socioeconomic development.

‘’We have come out together with single voice to say that enough is enough for this bloodshed and resolved to be holding consultative discussions on how best to tackle the problem. We also decided to sit down and itemise developmental plan of action that would assist in the restoration of peace through tackling poverty and unemployment that have been bedeviling our teeming youth’’ he declared.

Dankwambo commended Shettima for concrete steps taken to restore peace, saying ‘’whatever happens to also affects us and we will continue to rally behind you at all times’’.

Also speaking, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state, who led the delegation they were in the state to show solidarity with government and sympathize with it over the loss of lives, caused by the insecurity even ad he appealed to the insurgents to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue.

Responding, Governor Shettima said: Your Excellences, we are delighted for the solidarity visit, which indicates that we are not alone in this period of agony and sorrow. Your visit indicates that you are not just friend but members of one family. We the people of Borno would be eternally thankful to you’’.