The North-east Governors’ Forum has alleged that some traditional rulers are aiding banditry in the geopolitical zone.
In a communique issued at the end of their meeting on Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno capital, the governors vowed to deal with any traditional ruler or community leader conniving or providing cover for bandits.
The communique particularly noted an increase in criminal activities in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba states, due to the influx of bandits.
The communique signed by governor of Borno and chairman of the forum, Babagana Zulum, reads
“While acknowledging the relative success recorded against insurgency, a new dimension of growing banditry is added to worsen the security situation in the subregion.
“The forum calls on the federal government to urgently intervene to address the issue.
“The forum is aware that some traditional rulers and other local authorities are conniving with the bandits, giving them shelter and cover to commit crimes within the subregion.”
The governors resolved to tackle illegal mining activities in their states which is fuelling insecurity.
On climate change, the forum lamented that the silting of rivers and deforestation caused by massive charcoal business has compounded the situation and called for effective control of deforestation with stern regulation to address the menace.
According to the them, climate change and environmental degradation which are major issues affecting the subregion are a source of great concern.
“The issue of flooding that has affected the States leading to the destruction of properties and loss of livelihoods is increasing the sufferings of the people.
“This has been compounded by the silting of our rivers as well as deforestation brought about by the massive charcoal business.
“There is a need for the Federal Government’s intervention in the area of desilting the rivers.
“Furthermore, there is the need for effective control of deforestation with stern regulation to local authorities against compromise to granting approvals for such business.
“The Forum has resolved to key into the Global Initiative of Carbon Credi, the Great Green Wall, and other initiatives that will mitigate the devastating impact of climate change in the sub-region,” the communique stated.
