Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, Inuwa Yahaya, has said Boko Haram insurgents have been weakened but not defeated, warning that insecurity remains a major challenge in the North-East.
Yahaya spoke at the 13th meeting of the forum in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Saturday, where he highlighted persistent security and development challenges confronting the region.
The governor said attacks on communities were still occurring, while banditry and communal clashes had emerged as additional threats.
“Boko Haram has been weakened but not defeated, and we still see attacks on our communities. Banditry and communal clashes are emerging as new threats,” Yahaya said.
He noted that the continued insecurity had left many displaced residents unable to return to their communities, despite efforts to restore stability across the region.
Beyond security, Yahaya said the North-East continued to face significant development gaps, including infrastructure deficits, inadequate healthcare services and poor educational outcomes.
He identified the Mambilla hydropower project, regional railway connections and broadband expansion as some of the major projects yet to be fully delivered, stressing the need for the region to address its energy and humanitarian challenges.
READ ALSO: 2027 Senatorial Election: I’m Yahaya Bello’s Nightmare, Natasha Boasts
Reflecting on the establishment of the North-East Governors’ Forum in Gombe in March 2020, Yahaya said the coalition was created because the challenges confronting the region required coordinated action by the six states.
According to him, insecurity, cross-border crime, infrastructure deficits and humanitarian concerns could not be effectively addressed by individual states working in isolation.
The governor, however, acknowledged progress recorded in areas including infrastructure, power generation, economic development, human capital and security.
He described the Kolmani exploration project as a significant opportunity for the region but stressed that its benefits must translate into actual production, employment opportunities and increased revenue.
Yahaya also urged governors to ensure that the region’s mineral resources were legally exploited and used to improve the living conditions of residents rather than provide funding for criminal activities.
He expressed concern over the high number of out-of-school children and weak health indicators across the region, urging his colleagues to intensify efforts to address the challenges.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for reflection and leadership transition as the five founding governors from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and Yobe approach the end of their constitutionally permitted second terms ahead of the 2027 elections.