NEGF urges FG to address banditry, illegal mining in the region.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri reading the communique on behalf of North East Governors at the end of the 8th Forum’s meeting in Maiduguri.
By Dauda Iliya
The North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has urge the Federal government to address the increasing cases of banditry which is capable of worsening security situation in the sub-region.
This is contain in a ten point communique issued at the end of the eighth Governors’ Forum meeting held in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
The communique signed by Chairman of the Forum and Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum observe that banditry is becoming worse in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba, as a result of concerted efforts of the Military to flush bandits from the other parts of the country.
The Forum note with concern the involvement of some traditional rulers in the heinous act, warning any traditional or community leader found wanting would be summarily sanctioned.
“The Forum is aware that some traditional rulers and other local authorities are conniving with the bandits, giving them shelter and cover to commit crimes within the subregion. The Forum unanimously resolved to decisively deal with any Traditional ruler or community leader that is found to be harbouring or conniving with the bandits” the Forum said.
The Governors’ Forum also raise concern on the proliferation of mining activities which is fueling insecurity in the region and call relevant government agency to enforce compliance.
“The proliferation of mining in the region is becoming a problem. This includes both legal and illegal mining. It noted the link between mining activities and insecurity especially the abuse of the mining leases. The Forum calls on the respective Governments to enforce compliance with the provisions of local consent as contained in Nigeria’s Mining Policy” NEGF stressed.
The Forum charges the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) to be more proactive with the issues of development in the subregion to include short, medium and long term solutions.
The Forum appreciated the Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima for gracing the opening ceremony of the meeting.
The eighth North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), was attended by the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe while Governors of Gombe and Taraba were represented by the Deputy Governors.
The Forum resolved to hold the 9th Meeting in Yola, Adamawa State between Friday 3rd – Saturday 4th – November, 2023.
