By Muhammadu Sabiu
The North East Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, has called upon the military to take decisive action against insurgents who refuse to surrender during the ongoing mass surrender by terrorists in the sub-region.
Governor Zulum made this appeal during the 8th meeting of the forum held in Maiduguri.
In his address, Governor Zulum commended the military for their efforts in restoring relative peace to the sub-region, which has enabled the return of normalcy to many areas affected by insurgency.
He acknowledged the military’s unwavering determination and significant progress in the fight against terrorism.
However, he stressed the need to eliminate those insurgents who persist in hiding and refuse to lay down their arms.
Governor Zulum stated, “I want to call on the Nigerian military to reach into the enclaves of the insurgents who are not ready to lay down their arms. We must pursue them to their hideouts in the remote nook and cranny and neutralize those who refuse to surrender.”
He underscored the negative socioeconomic impact of insurgency on the sub-region and emphasised that lasting improvements could only occur once the threat of terrorism was fully subdued.
Additionally, Governor Zulum addressed challenges posed by erratic rainfall patterns and recent floods, calling for federal government intervention.
He urged the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise support for irrigation farming to mitigate the effects of reduced rainfall on crop cultivation.