The North-East Governors’ Forum on Thursday resolved to adopt a multidimensional approach through kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle insecurity challenges in the region.

The forum made the decision in a nine-point communiqué read by Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba at the end of its 11th meeting in Damaturu.

The governors said addressing insecurity in the region must go hand-in-hand with tackling youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, weak education systems and widespread poverty-related problems.

They commended the federal government for improving national security and expressed concern about the resurgence of insurgent activities in some parts of the region.

“The forum calls on the armed forces, other security agencies, and community leaders to reappraise their strategies in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations,” the governors said.

The forum also drew attention to the deteriorating condition of federal roads in the region, which they said had worsened insecurity and hampered economic recovery.

The governors called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the completion of abandoned federal road projects.

The forum pledged to deepen collaboration in attracting investments in agriculture, renewable energy, climate adaptation, and vocational training to create employment and reduce youth vulnerability to extremist ideologies.

The governors lauded the North-East Development Commission’s (NEDC) efforts and urged it to intensify stakeholder engagement and prioritise road and transport infrastructure projects.

The forum also supported the expansion of the Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus, and resolved to assist with hostel accommodation, water supply, and other facilities.

The governors further pledged to support the National Commission for Al-Majiri and Out-of-School Children Education by providing offices in each state and adopting a unified regional strategy to reintegrate out-of-school children into formal and vocational learning systems.

The Governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States attended the meeting, while Bauchi State was represented by the deputy governor.

The forum’s chairman, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, chaired the meeting.

It announced that its 12th meeting will hold from July 27 to 29 in Jalingo, Taraba.

(NAN)