Boko Haram: Governors ask Nigerian government to review security strategy

The NGF commiserated with family of Yobe massacre victims.

The Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, has asked the Federal Government to review its strategies in the fight against the insurgents in the northeastern part of Nigeria because the current approach had failed.

It specifically asked the government to engage new allies wherever they may be in the world.

The Forum stated this in a statement on Friday by its Chairman, Chibuike Amaechi, who is also the governor of Rivers State.

Three North Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa recently witnessed a spate of killings by the dreaded Boko Haram sect despite the state of emergency imposed on the states since last year.

In the early hours of Tuesday, at least 29 students of the Federal Government College, Buni-Yadi, Yobe State, were murdered by members of the sect.

Condemning the incidents, the NGF said time has come for the Federal Government to review its strategies.

“It is gratifying that government – Federal and State – are working hard to get to the root of the killings and nip these orgy of violence in the bud,” the Forum said.

“However, we also believe the time has come for the Federal Government to comprehensively review the strategies with which it is fighting this insurgency.

“The current approach is definitely not working and it is important that all of us are humble and sincere enough to accept this reality and then work out a stronger and more workable strategy.”

The NGF, however, said the fight against the terrorists should not be left to the federal and state governments. It urged Nigerians to help the security agencies with accurate and timely information.

The Forum said it was alarmed by the slaughter of 29 pupils at the Federal Government College in Yobe and the unprovoked attacks against defenceless people in those states.

It commiserated with the people and government of those states, the families of the victims, and prayed God to give them and indeed every Nigerian the fortitude to bear the loss.

“This is a very difficult period for our country and its people and we must collectively pray and rally round families, friends and fellow citizens affected by these tragedies. We must provide whatever support and save the lives of those still alive,” it said.

“While security agencies should continue to do their jobs as professionally as possible, we appeal to all aggrieved individuals and groups in Nigeria to appreciate the fact that violence can never be a solution to any problem.

“We have no other country to call home and it is important that we understand the danger and futility of destroying our land in the pursuit of a selfish agenda.”

The Forum commended the security agencies for the sacrifice they were making in the interest of us all to restore calm to all parts of our country.

It also urged the Federal Government “to continue to support affected states in the bid to check violence.

“The Federal Government should remain focused and continue to provide leadership until every part of Nigeria is rid of violence and insurgency.”