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Northeast Governors renew call for joint action on insurgency, poverty at 11th forum meeting

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Northeast Governors renew call for joint action on insurgency, poverty at 11th forum meeting

By: Zagazola Makama

As security concerns and economic hardship continue to weigh heavily on Nigeria’s Northeast region, governors of the six states converged on Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Thursday to chart a common path for peace, recovery, and prosperity.

The 11th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, witnessed robust deliberations, passionate appeals, and renewed calls for unity, collaboration, and strategic action against the persistent threat of insurgency and deepening poverty in the region.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, led the charge in his opening address, painting a stark picture of the challenges facing the region and urging urgent collective action to change the narrative.

“It is with a deep sense of honour and responsibility that I welcome Your Excellencies to this 11th meeting of the vibrant North-East Governors’ Forum,” Zulum said.

He described the current economic situation in the region as dire, noting that food insecurity, rising transportation costs, poor healthcare, and the erosion of purchasing power had deepened the suffering of the people.

“We must take bold steps to address the poverty crisis, which is not just an economic issue but also a social and humanitarian emergency,” he said.

The Borno governor commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their ongoing sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, but called for a review of operational strategies in light of recent Boko Haram attacks in some areas.

“The re-emergence of insurgent attacks is alarming and could undermine the successes already recorded. I humbly suggest that the military revisit its strategy and adopt more offensive operations,” Zulum stated.

While reaffirming the importance of agriculture as a key to regional development, Zulum emphasized that farming alone could not lift the region out of poverty. He advocated for the establishment of small and medium-scale industries, backed by improved infrastructure, incentives for private investment, and promotion of innovation.

He called on his fellow governors to invest in roads, electricity, clean water, and youth empowerment initiatives to reverse the tide of unemployment and restiveness.

“We must diversify our economy, reduce poverty, and equip our young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive,” he said.

Zulum also warned of impending environmental threats, urging states to act on flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

“We must take the warnings seriously. The consequences of inaction are too devastating,” he said.

Zulum reminded his colleagues that regional success depends on unity of purpose.

“As governors, we have a sacred duty to our people. We must support each other and prioritize their needs. Our individual successes are tied to our collective progress,” he said.

He concluded by introducing the new Director-General of the Forum, Umar Musa Gulani, a seasoned public administrator and former Director at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

In his welcome remarks, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State thanked his counterparts for honoring the invitation and expressed optimism that the forum would yield new strategies to combat insecurity and economic stagnation.

Buni described the Forum as a “critical platform” for collaboration and policy alignment, especially as the region grapples with renewed attacks from Boko Haram and its use of modern technology in assaults.

“This meeting is timely. We must act fast to consolidate our gains in peacebuilding and economic recovery,” he said.

He called for resolutions from the meeting to be shared with federal security agencies to boost coordination and rapid response mechanisms.

Governor Buni also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and leadership, and extended gratitude to the armed forces, Civilian Joint Task Force, and volunteers for their sacrifices.

On economic revitalization, he echoed Zulum’s call for investment in mechanized agriculture, employment generation, and sustainable livelihood programmes.

“We must make agriculture attractive, affordable, and profitable to harness our natural and human resources,” he said.

The governors pledged to continue working with international and local development partners to rebuild communities, resettle displaced persons, and expand regional infrastructure.

The meeting is expected to produce resolutions aimed at strengthening joint security operations, coordinating humanitarian interventions, and promoting regional trade and investment.

As the region continues its long road to recovery, the voices from Damaturu reaffirmed one thing: that the path to peace and prosperity lies in unity, shared vision, and bold action.

Northeast Governors renew call for joint action on insurgency, poverty at 11th forum meeting

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Nigerian Army troops rescue eight kidnapped victims, neutralize one kidnapper at Kogi-Enugu border

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Nigerian Army troops rescue eight kidnapped victims, neutralize one kidnapper at Kogi-Enugu border

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Army troops and other joint security agencies acting on credible intelligence stormed a kidnappers’ den around Isi River, located at the boundary between Nokwa Community in Kogi State and Nimbo in Enugu State, on May 23, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m., rescuing eight kidnapped victims and neutralizing one suspected kidnapper.

The troops engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee the scene. The rescued victims, who were unharmed, include:
Ugwuoke Victor Chidera (male) of Amaebo Ovoko, Asogwa Sochima (male) of Umuekada Ovoko, Igboeze South LGA, Calister Ezema (female) of Ebugwu Ibagwa Ani, Ezugwu Charity (female) of Mgboko Aku, Igbo Etiti LGA, Ezugwu Kenneth (male) of Mgboko Aku, Ike Nnamdi (male) of Achom Alunor and Francis Okoro (male) and Ikenna Okeagu (male), both of Abi in Uzuwani LGA.

The troops have intensified Operations in the general area.

Nigerian Army troops rescue eight kidnapped victims, neutralize one kidnapper at Kogi-Enugu border

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Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

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Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

By: Zagazola Makama

Barely weeks after security forces brokered a peace accord between farmers and herders in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, renewed violence has broken out, triggered by actions that have now led to death, destruction and growing instability in the region.

Zagazola Makama was reliably informed by intelligence sources that despite the security agencies holding three separate meetings with youth and community leaders where appeals for restraint and peaceful coexistence were passionately made, local youths in Badanwa reportedly violated the terms of the agreement by launching attacks on Fulani herders grazing near their farms.

The sources said that the troops deployed under Operation Lafiyan Jamaa responded swiftly to a distress call at about 2:50 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Upon arrival, the troops discovered that some fleeing Fulani herders had retaliated in panic, killing two locals believed to be from Munga Lelau village. The victims, according to sources, were attacked with machetes during the chaos and confusion that ensued.

The violence spiraled further when troops, while pursuing leads into the unfolding crisis, encountered armed bandits burning houses in Munga Lelau. In the exchange of fire, troops neutralised two of the bandits and recovered a dane gun, a cell phone, a fabricated pistol, and four cartridges. Further searches around Munga Doso village led to more arms recovery.

The crisis, according to security officials, could have been avoided if community leaders had been obeyed and the peace agreement upheld.

“You cannot go and attack people grazing near your village and expect them not to retaliate. That is the reality we are dealing with. We had already put a framework in place for dialogue and monitoring,”

The resurgence of hostilities was a a result of a reckless mob action and the failure of some community elements to honour peace initiatives facilitated by security agencies. Just because you see a Fulani man with his livestock, you the. Pick up sticks, cutlass and other weapons and began shouting hochebe hey hochebe hey. And now that it has become bad, you are calling on the security agencies to defend you,” a senior security officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

Security forces have since intensified patrols in the general area to forestall further escalation. However, the general situation remains volatile, with fresh tensions threatening to undo months of painstaking confidence-building efforts.

In the wake of these developments, security authorities have suggested that the local government consider imposing a curfew in the affected areas as a short-term measure to prevent further reprisal attacks and restore normalcy.

“It’s time to go beyond warnings. There must be consequences for those who break peace accords or act as enablers of violence. No community can progress in a state of perpetual suspicion and provocation,” said Bala Ibrahim, a conflict resolution expert based in Jalingo.

Zagazola report that for now, the military and other security agencies have continue to dominate the general area with strategic patrols. But the challenge ahead is steep: rebuilding broken trust, enforcing accountability, and ensuring that peace is not just signed but sincerely upheld.

Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

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Zulum begins 100-bed hospital, market complex in Dikwa

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Zulum begins 100-bed hospital, market complex in Dikwa

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has commenced the construction of a new 100-bed capacity general hospital and a market complex in Dikwa.

Zulum assessed the proposed project site on Thursday and directed that work should begin immediately.

The new hospital will include features such as modern medical equipment and specialised units to address the various health challenges faced by the community.

When completed, the hospital will offer comprehensive medical services, such as emergency care, maternal health, and outpatient services, to the residents of Dikwa and surrounding communities.

According to the governor, projects are part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to restore stability, improve healthcare, and boost economic activities in places affected by the over one decade old insurgency.

Speaking separately, Zulum charged the contractors to ensure compliance with all engineering specifications.

The Governor was accompanied by a member of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba, a member representing Dikwa at the State House of Assembly; Zakariya Mohammed, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Bawu Musami; Permanent Secretary of Government House, Barr. Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among many senior officials.

Zulum begins 100-bed hospital, market complex in Dikwa

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