Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has expressed concern over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in different parts of the North-East.
Mr Buni made this known in Damaturu on Thursday at the 11th North East Governors’ Forum, NEGF, Meeting.
He said even more worrisome was the deployment of technology by the group in carrying out its nefarious act.
“This should be critically examined with a target of evolving a working synergy between the states and the Federal Government, and security agencies for strategic approach to check the resurgence.
“We must act fast to consolidate the gains achieved in peace, security and socio-economic development recorded in the last few years,” the governor said.
Mr Buni, therefore, called on the forum to immediately share the resolutions of the meeting with security chiefs and relevant federal agencies to enhance rapid and coordinated response.
He noted that the Forum, since its inception, had continued to serve as a platform for fostering regional cooperation, policy alignment and collective action on critical issues affecting the sub-region.
“This meeting offers us an opportunity to reflect on the implementation of past resolutions, examine the challenges we still face, and proffer workable alternatives,” the governor said.
Mr Buni said the forum would explore economic opportunities in the region, particularly in agriculture, to reduce overdependence on federal allocations and provide employment for youths.
“We must make agriculture attractive, affordable, and profitable by providing machinery, equipment, and input support to harness our vast arable lands and human capital,” he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to his counterparts from Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi states, describing their physical presence at the meeting as a demonstration of commitment to peace, unity and development in the North-east.
Mr Buni commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its leadership during challenging times, assuring the president of the forum’s support for national policies and development efforts.
He also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, Civilian JTF, and other security volunteers, many of whom, he said, had made the ultimate sacrifice for the peace of the region.
The governor appreciated local and international development partners for their continued support in resettlement, reconstruction, and recovery programmes across the region.
In his remarks, the Forums Chairman and Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, noted that addressing hardship was critical to tackling Boko Haram insurgency.
He called on the military to review its strategies in the fight against insurgency.
Mr Zulum charged citizens in the region to cooperate with the security agencies and respective government at all levels.
NAN reports that the meeting is expected to review the progress of joint regional projects, security interventions, humanitarian efforts, and strategies for sustainable development.
NAN
