Northern Governors Condemn Fresh Killings, Demand Decisive Action On Insecurity

The chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has condemned the recent spate of violent attacks and killings in parts of Kwara, Katsina and Benue states.

Governor Yahaya described the killings as barbaric, senseless and a direct assault on the collective conscience of the nation.

The condemnation follows deadly attacks on communities in Kaiama local government area of Kwara State, Faskari local government area of Katsina State and Kwande local government area of Benue State, where hundreds of residents were reportedly killed.

The governor, in a statement on behalf of his Northern colleagues, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of innocent lives, extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the affected communities and the governments and people of the three states.

“These heinous acts of violence are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.

“The relentless targeting of defenceless citizens, including women, children and the elderly, lays bare the inhumanity of these attackers and underscores the pressing necessity for firm and decisive action,” he said.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the governors of the three states for their leadership and resilience in the face of repeated security challenges, noting their continued efforts to support affected communities, strengthen local security architecture and collaborate with federal authorities to restore peace.

In a statement by his director general on press affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya charged the nation’s security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations to track down the perpetrators and their backers, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains a sacred duty.

“The Northern Governors’ Forum stands firmly with our security agencies and urges them to deploy all lawful means necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice. These crimes must not go unpunished,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated.

The NSGF chairman reassured Nigerians of the Forum’s commitment to working with the federal government, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to confront insecurity through a combination of robust security responses, intelligence-led policing and long-term socio-economic interventions.