The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) yesterday condemned the recent killings in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, particularly the ‘slaughter’ of 29 pupils of the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to a statement issued by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, the Forum appealed to all aggrieved individuals and groups in the country to understand that no problem can ever be resolved by resorting to violence.
The statement reads: “We in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) hereby condemn the recent spate of killings in some parts of our country – Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states – by the Boko Haram sect. We are alarmed by the slaughter of 29 pupils at the Federal Government College in Yobe and the unprovoked attacks against defenceless people in those states.
“We commiserate with the people and government of those states, the families of the victims, and pray God to give them and indeed every Nigerian the fortitude to bear the loss.
“This is a very difficult period for our country and its people and we must collectively pray and rally round families, friends and fellow citizens affected by these tragedies. We must provide whatever support and save the lives of those still alive.
“While security agencies should continue to do their jobs as professionally as possible, we appeal to all aggrieved individuals and groups in Nigeria to appreciate the fact that violence can never be a solution to any problem. We have no other country to call home and it is important that we understand the danger and futility of destroying our land in the pursuit of a selfish agenda”.
While commending the efforts of the federal and state governments to get to the root of the killings and stop the violence, the Forum commended security agencies for their selfless sacrifice in restoring calm to all parts of the country.
“However, we also believe the time has come for the Federal Government to comprehensively review the strategies with which it is fighting this insurgency. The current approach is definitely not working, and it is important that all of us are humble and sincere enough to accept this reality and then work out a stronger and more workable strategy.
“Of course, the Federal and state governments should not be left alone to fight the terrorists. Citizens need to help our security agencies with accurate and timely information. But government itself needs to engage new allies wherever they may be in the world.
“We urge the Federal Government to continue to support affected states in the bid to check violence. The Federal Government should remain focused and continue to provide leadership until every part of Nigeria is rid of violence and insurgency”.
