By Gyang Bere – Kaduna
The persistent security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria took center stage on Friday as Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, joined 18 other Northern governors at a crucial meeting of the Northern Governors' Forum held at the Government House, Kaduna.
The meeting, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who also leads the Forum, focused on formulating a unified approach to address rising insecurity and infrastructural deficits plaguing the region.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the session, the governors expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s continued efforts to stabilize the country and improve infrastructure across the North.
The meeting brought together governors from all 19 Northern states, alongside traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Saad Abubakar, who chairs the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council.
Emphasizing the need for nonpartisan collaboration, the Forum resolved to strengthen partnerships among member states, bolster local security initiatives, and establish inter-state surveillance mechanisms to monitor border areas more effectively.
The governors reaffirmed their support for the establishment of state police and urged the National Assembly to fast-track the necessary constitutional amendments to make it a reality.
In his welcome address, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani called for a united front in tackling poverty and insecurity, describing them as the most pressing threats to the region’s development.
“Our people are facing the harsh realities of displacement, economic stagnation, and insecurity,” he said. “This region, once rich in agricultural productivity and resilience, now bears the heaviest burden of violence and instability.”
The Sultan of Sokoto also delivered a stirring address, highlighting the severity of the region’s security crisis, particularly in states like Benue, Plateau, Niger, and Sokoto. He called the situation "unacceptable" and urged leaders to match rhetoric with action.
“Our traditional institutions remain steadfast in promoting peace and development,” the Sultan said, expressing confidence in the commitment of the current crop of Northern governors to lead meaningful change.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for regional solidarity and stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to enhance support for federal security agencies.
