Northern governors pledge to partner on security, economic development, others

The Northern States Governors have resolved to vigorously pursue the collective interest of the region in areas of enhanced security, peaceful coexistence, economic development, youth employment, drug abuse and revitalisation of education at all levels.

The forum also resolved to address the environmental challenges affecting Northern Nigeria and threatening rural livelihood, pushing farmers into conflict with herders and adding to the general level of poverty and insecurity.

A communique issued at the end of the inaugural meeting of the forum by its chairman and governor of Gombe state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the forum also resolved to collectively fast-track regional integration through investment in infrastructure, human capital development, trade, commerce, agriculture, environment, digital economy and cultural exchanges.

According to the communique, “The Forum collectively resolved to support the Kaduna State Government and victims of the unfortunate incidence of the bombing at Tudun Biri Community, Igabi Local Government Area by donating the sum of One Hundred and Eighty Million Naira (N180,000,000.00) only to the victims.”

The forum resolved to work collectively to ensure that the tragic incident is thoroughly investigated to compensate victims and take corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.

The forum commiserated with the government and people of Kaduna State over the unfortunate bombing incident at the Tudun Biri Community of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during which some members of the community lost their lives and properties while others sustained various degrees of injuries.

The Forum prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and speedy recovery of the injured and prayed for God to grant the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss and appreciated the Kaduna State and Federal Governments for the way and manner they handled the unfortunate incident so far.

It commended the Federal Government for the renewed vigour in the fight against insecurity, the menace of kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and terrorism, bedevilling the region and resolved to stand united in its commitment to addressing those challenges through enhanced collaboration with security agencies.