Northern Group Decries Insecurity, Says Region ‘Bleeding’

A peace advocacy group, Northern Youths Renaissance for Peace and Restoration, has lamented the destruction caused by banditry and insurgency in the region.

After a meeting in Abuja yesterday, the group stated that the North is bleeding and lagging behind because criminality has been allowed to fester for too long.

Secretary of the group, Salisu Gambo, who read the meeting’s communiqué, lamented that socio-economic development is no longer a priority as the region grapples with insecurity.

He said the group has passed a vote of confidence in the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and his troops, in their ability to deal with the situation.

He further lamented that resources that would have been channeled to economic development are being used to fight terrorism and banditry.

The secretary also lamented that, as of now, no right-minded foreign investor would dare to come near the North due to the security challenge.

The group urged elders and leaders to conduct a soul-searching exercise, saying the legacy being left behind is a battered region.

The group’s statement reads in part, “Our region is bleeding and lagging behind. Where is all the security funding going? Who in their right minds would want to invest in the North?”

The group passed a vote of confidence in the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and his troops, saying:

“They are making huge sacrifices to restore peace in our region. We must play our role very well for their sacrifices not to be in vain.”