North-East Governors Condemn Rising Banditry, Accuse Local Authorities of Collaboration

The North-East Governors’ Forum, consisting of the governors of states in the North-East region of Nigeria, has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of banditry in the region.

They specifically raised alarm over the increasing presence of bandits, especially in Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba states, which were previously not associated with this menace.

In a communique issued at the end of their eighth meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State, and signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, the governors cited the aggressive military operations against bandits in other parts of the country as a factor pushing the criminals toward the North-East.

The communique revealed that the Forum called upon the Federal Government to promptly intervene in addressing this concerning security issue.

Furthermore, the governors accused some traditional rulers and local authorities of collaborating with the bandits by providing them shelter and cover for their criminal activities. They vowed to take decisive action against any traditional ruler or community leader found to be involved in harboring or conspiring with the bandits.

The proliferation of both legal and illegal mining in the region was also highlighted in the communique, with the governors noting a connection between mining activities and insecurity, particularly concerning the abuse of mining leases. They called on state governments to enforce compliance with the provisions of local consent as stipulated in Nigeria’s Mining Policy and reiterated their call for strict adherence to the provisions of the Land Use Act.

Climate change and environmental degradation were identified as major concerns for the region. The governors expressed alarm at the impact of flooding on the states, leading to property damage and livelihood loss. They urged the Federal Government to intervene by desilting the rivers and imposing effective controls on deforestation, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations against granting approvals for charcoal businesses.

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Regarding infrastructure, the Forum expressed dismay over the state of road and railway infrastructure along economic corridors connecting the North-East zone to the rest of the country. They called on the Federal Government to address the situation, specifically citing the deplorable condition of the Enugu-Maiduguri road and the destroyed railway between Enugu and Maiduguri. Reconstruction of these critical infrastructures was deemed essential for regional trade, peace-building, and national unity.

Additionally, the North-East Governors’ Forum resolved to promote sub-regional commerce among member states and revive the Northeast trade fair scheduled for January 2024 in Bauchi.

The Forum expressed appreciation to Vice President Kashim Shettima for attending the opening ceremony of their eighth meeting and thanked the government and people of Borno State for hosting the event. They announced their intention to hold the ninth meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, on November 3-4, 2023.

Governors from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe attended the meeting, while Gombe and Taraba were represented by their deputy governors.