Governors from the nineteen Northern states gathered in Kaduna on Monday to address the sharp rise in kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the region. The closed-door session, held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, is expected to shape a coordinated response to the worsening security situation.
Those present include Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna, Mohammed Bago of Niger, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, while several others sent their deputies. Traditional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar lll, joined the discussions, underscoring the gravity of the moment.
Although officials have not released formal details, a senior government source confirmed that the leaders are examining the surge in violent attacks, including coordinated raids on schools. The region has seen repeated strikes on educational institutions, forcing some states to shut down schools as a precaution.
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Only last week, attackers stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, where at least twenty-four students were taken and the vice principal killed. Days later, assailants invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, capturing more than three hundred students and staff. About fifty students later found their way to safety.
The meeting in Kaduna is expected to continue through the day as governors and traditional rulers work toward a joint approach to restore stability.
