Shettima: We must come up with a solution to the insecurity in the north

Kashim Shettima, governor of Borno state, has asked the federal government to adopt new strategies that could permanently address the insecurity in the north.

Speaking on Friday at a meeting of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) at the government house, Kaduna, Shettima said he and his colleagues will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to brainstorm on the issue when he returns from Saudi Arabia.

Shettima said although the federal government has taken some steps to curb insecurity in the region, more still needs to be done.

“Although the forum had implemented quiet some measures in the last few years to tame the insecurity in the region, a lot still needs to be done,” Shettima said.

“The steps taken by the federal government are quite commendable. I would like to, therefore, express our gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, for his quick response to the issues of insecurity in the region which of recent seem to be deteriorating.

”We appeal to the federal government to restrategise and come up with measures that could deal with the situation more permanently.

”We are arranging, as a family, to meet Mr. President upon his return from Saudi Arabia to cross pollinate ideas and come up with a robust solution to the challenges facing the north in terms of insecurity.”

Shettima, whose tenure as chairman of the NAGF has ended, thanked his colleagues for their support and cooperation.

”I have been at the helm of affairs of the forum. I appeal to Your excellencies to extend similar support and cooperation to my successor,” Shettima said.

The forum, however, went into closed-door session where a new chairman is expected to emerge.