Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has reiterated that while the military efforts to contain the insurgency in the North-eastern part of the country is necessary, there was a need to explore and engage dialogue in combatting the menace.
The governor stated that during North-East Security Summit holding at the Borno State Government House, Maiduguri on Tuesday.
“We strongly believe that while the military effort to contain the insurgency is necessary, we must actively explore and engage in dialogue.
“As records show, no conflict of this nature anywhere in the world has ever been resolved solely by military means.
‘We therefore suggest that we should seek – and use – back channels to open communications and contacts that both sides could trust as credible. Such communications and contacts should necessarily lead to something meaningful.
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“We also hold the view that the military should open – or reinforce – a ‘safe haven’ for insurgents who desire to defect from the insurgency or repent from their demonstrably evil ways.
“We should more forcefully seek to engage the general public in the quest for lasting peace. This is something that we are already doing in Yobe State.
“Through deliberate public information and enlightenment campaigns, we should work to make members of the public active partners of our security agencies, by getting them to pass useful information whenever they noticed any suspicious persons or movements,” he said.
The governor, therefore, urged security agencies to show more friendly disposition to the public who come forward to pass or share security information.
“They should regard every information reasonably provided as useful. They should chase down leads and give members of the public the confidence that their participation and contributions are factored and appreciated,” Mr Buni stated.
Mr Buni reminded the agencies that security is an all-hands-on-deck affair.
“Our states in the North-East and our country as a whole would be a lot better when security agencies and the general public work together and remain on the same page against any individuals or groups who threaten our collective security,” the governor stated.
