Pix: Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, 

By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor in Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has warned that despite significant military successes against insurgents, Boko Haram has not been completely defeated and continues to pose a threat to communities across the North East.

Speaking at the 13th meeting of the North East Governors’ Forum held in Maiduguri, Borno State, Governor Yahaya said the region was still grappling with sporadic terrorist attacks, while banditry and communal conflicts were emerging as additional security concerns.

According to him, the lingering insecurity has continued to hinder the return of many displaced persons to their communities, stressing that peace and stability remain critical to the region’s recovery and development.

The governor noted that although the North East has recorded remarkable progress in security, infrastructure development, power generation and economic growth, considerable challenges remain. He pointed out that major projects such as the Mambilla Hydropower Project, regional rail connectivity and broadband expansion are yet to be fully realised.

Yahaya recalled that the North East Governors’ Forum was established in Gombe in March 2020 to provide a united platform for addressing common regional challenges. He explained that issues such as terrorism, cross border crimes, humanitarian crises and infrastructure deficits require collective responses rather than isolated efforts by individual states.

The governor also highlighted the economic potential of the Kolmani oil exploration project, urging stakeholders to ensure that its benefits translate into jobs, increased production and improved revenue generation. He further called on state governments to strengthen efforts to curb illegal mining and ensure that the region’s vast mineral resources contribute to development instead of financing criminal activities.

Expressing concern over the growing number of out of school children and poor health indicators in parts of the region, Yahaya urged governors to intensify investments in education, healthcare and social welfare. He stressed that sustainable development would only be achieved through coordinated policies that address both security and human development challenges.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for reflection on the achievements of the forum since its establishment, as the founding governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and Yobe States prepare to conclude their constitutionally permitted second terms ahead of the 2027 general elections.