Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, has highlighted the failure to understand and address the underlying grievances of armed bandits as one of the principal factors fueling insecurity across northern Nigeria. Speaking on the persistent rise of violent criminal activity in the region, Governor Yahaya noted that efforts to combat banditry have often focused narrowly on military and police operations, without tackling the socio-economic and political issues that drive individuals toward violence.
Governor Yahaya explained that many of the young men who join armed groups are motivated not solely by criminal intent but by frustration stemming from systemic neglect, poverty, lack of education, and limited access to meaningful employment. He emphasized that ignoring these root causes has allowed the cycle of violence to persist and, in some cases, escalate.
“The inability to comprehend the reasons why people take up arms has been a major challenge in resolving insecurity in the North,” Yahaya said. “Addressing only the symptoms through arrests and force will not provide lasting peace. We must also engage with the communities affected, understand their grievances, and implement programs that create opportunities for the youth.”
The Gombe State Governor stressed that a combination of security enforcement and socio-economic interventions is essential. Initiatives such as youth empowerment schemes, vocational training, educational opportunities, and dialogue with local communities can reduce the appeal of criminal networks and provide alternatives to violence. He also called on both state and federal governments to coordinate efforts to ensure that security operations are complemented by development programs tailored to the unique challenges of northern communities.
Experts note that insecurity in northern Nigeria is complex and multidimensional, influenced by factors including poverty, unemployment, land disputes, and weak governance structures. By addressing both the immediate security threats and the underlying causes, Yahaya argues, the region can begin to build a sustainable path toward peace and stability.
The Northern Governors’ Forum, under Governor Yahaya’s leadership, is reportedly exploring comprehensive strategies that combine intelligence-led security measures with community engagement, conflict resolution mechanisms, and programs aimed at rehabilitating former bandits. Such approaches aim to not only reduce violence but also restore trust between communities and government institutions, fostering social cohesion and economic development.
Governor Yahaya’s remarks underscore a growing consensus among security analysts that tackling northern Nigeria’s insecurity requires a holistic, long-term approach that balances law enforcement with socio-economic empowerment, dialogue, and community participation.
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