The Governors of the 19 Northern States, convened under the banner of the Northern Governors’ Forum, assembled in Kaduna on Friday for their inaugural post-election meeting. Hosted by the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, the gathering delved into pressing concerns of insecurity, agriculture, and oil exploration within the region. The assembly also provided an opportunity to extend condolences to Governor Sani over the tragic accidental airstrike in Tudun Biri, Igabi LGA of the state, for which the Nigerian Army claimed responsibility.
In attendance were notable figures such as Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State and deputy governors representing Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Yobe, and Kwara states on behalf of their respective governors.
Chairing the forum, Alhaji Muhammad Yahaya, the Governor of Gombe State, condemned the inadvertent bombing in Kaduna and stressed the imperative for collective efforts among regional governors to combat the prevailing insecurity. Acknowledging the Federal Government’s endeavors, he emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach by the northern governors to address the challenges of kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes, and terrorism plaguing the region.
Governor Yahaya underscored the significance of confronting these issues, asserting that the region’s development and well-being hinged on resolving these security challenges. He assured that the forum, under his leadership, was actively working to ensure a thorough investigation into the Tudun Biri incident. The governor emphasized the commitment to compensating the victims and implementing preventative measures to avert future occurrences.
Governor Uba Sani, serving as the chief host, lamented the escalating insecurity in the North and proposed the establishment of a Command and Control Centre. This centre would coordinate joint operations to tackle terrorism and related crimes effectively.
In a demonstration of solidarity, the Northern Governors announced a collective donation of N180 million to the victims of the accidental bomb incident in Tudun Biri. The Chairman of the forum, Governor Yahaya, presented a symbolic cheque alongside his counterparts during the landmark meeting.
