Governors of the North West zone have pledged to explore all available means to ensure security of lives and property in the zone.
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State gave the commitment at a town hall meeting organised by the National Security Adviser, NSA in Kaduna.
Masari who spoke on behalf of the Governors of the zone noted that the security situation in the region has deteriorated and they are committed to working hard to ensure peace and stability.
“It is our responsibility to ensure everyone is safe. Our communities also should be adequately involved in ensuring security.
Everybody must be on the same page. We must go back to our communities, build community relationships and restore what was lost. Ten years ago, the situation was not as bad as it is today, now communal life has broken down.
“We assure people of the North West that security for all of us is a must”, he said.
Masari however urged all Governors in the country to take responsibility of protecting everyone irrespective of where they come from, ethnicity or religion.
Plateau Governor, Simon Lalong, who is also the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, urged Nigerians to learn to live in peace, irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.
“Today on behalf of Northern Governors, I welcome the new service chiefs while commending those who did their best and also prayed to see the end of insecurity in Nigeria”, he said.
Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai expressed hope that the meeting will come up with a road map to end the security challenges in the country which has affected the economy and livelihood of the people.
El-Rufai expressed concern over recent clashes in the South West which has raised tension and agitations.
He said security should be the number one priority of government and a collective responsibility of all.
The meeting was attended by all the Governors in the zone, traditional rulers, security experts and other key stakeholders.
Nneka Ukachukwu
