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Insecurity: Fayemi Lends Voice on Saturday’s Massacre

The Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has said security challenges in the country are beyond the Nigerian military, lamenting that governors are frustrated with the level of insecurity in the country.
He made the statement during his visit to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State to condole with the government and people of Borno over an attack by the Boko Haram insurgents, where over 40 farmers were slaughtered.

The statement was titled, ‘Governors Forum: Security challenges are beyond military’.

Fayemi, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum was accompanied by the Governor of Sokoto and the Vice Chairman of the Forum, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, and that of Niger State, Abubakar Bello.

Fayemi said soldiers are overwhelmed and needed support to tackle the security situation affecting many parts of the country – insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

He said, “But what happened in the last three days is by far beyond any imagination, it was a massacre and it was one that none of us could come to terms easily.

“The reality we can all say, and I personally as security scholar, the reality I can see is that our military is overwhelmed. Our military is no longer in a position to single-handedly tackle this menace effectively.

“It is not a criticism of our military if one were to suggest a coalition beyond that will even include our neighbouring countries, who are probably more experienced in fighting an asymmetrical war. It will not be a loss of our pride as a country.”

“This is not a visit to gratify ourselves, no, it is an expression of also our own frustration.

“We can’t bring back the people we have lost in the last couple of days, but if we do not take the necessary steps the entire nation will be consumed by this insurgency,” Fayemi added.

Zulum said, “We need to address the underlying causes of the insurgency while appreciating the effort of the federal government in implementing some policies that are geared towards addressing poverty in the entire nation, Borno State deserve more.”

The massacre which had since drawn public attention has gotten several comments from Nigerians. See some social media reactions.


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