A crucial security summit convened by the Northern Governors’ Forum, scheduled for 29th November in Kaduna State, has been indefinitely postponed.
The high-level meeting, which was to include the 19 state governors and leading traditional rulers, was intended to formulate a unified strategy against the resurgence of terrorist attacks and widespread banditry plaguing the region.
The postponement came as governors from the seven north-western states convened a separate, parallel security session with a Senate committee. The meeting focused on improving coordination between the states and federal security agencies, enhancing intelligence sharing, and accelerating field responses to the persistent threats of banditry and terrorism.
The Northern region has been gripped by a fresh wave of violence in recent weeks, with communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states facing renewed onslaughts. A spike in mass abductions, including two high-profile attacks on schools, has amplified public anxiety across the region.
While security agencies have intensified rescue missions, leading to the release of some captives, many victims remain in the custody of their abductors.
“The meeting aims to develop a unified approach to tackling security concerns affecting the region and discuss the way forward on security matters,” he said.
“It is the duty of citizens to help deal with security threats in our country and state.
“Therefore, citizens must do well by providing security agencies with relevant information about individuals with criminal tendencies.”
The now-postponed broader summit was announced as a direct response to the escalating crisis. Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, had stated that the forum aimed “to develop a unified approach to tackling security concerns affecting the region and agree on a harmonised plan of action.”
He also emphasised the role of citizens, urging them to “provide security agencies with relevant information about individuals with criminal tendencies.”
No new date for the 19-state Governors’ forum has been announced, raising questions about the coordination of the regional security response as the violence continues.