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Banditry is terrorism, agenda is to destroy Nigeria— NGF
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Nigerian Governor’s Forutm says kidnapping and banditry is terrorism, the ultimate plan is to destroy Nigeria.
Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi during a solidarity visit to Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, over the abduction of students and staff of Government Science College, Kagara, expressed concern over insecurity in the country.
He said, “At the level of the governors’ forum, we met last week and we came out with some specific ideas we have shared with the federal authorities but for us, our visit is in commiseration, solidarity and in identifying with you, the government, and the good people of Niger State.
“We want to reassure you that even this difficult time shall pass but we must put our heads together, put all our efforts together, demonstrate resilience, reassure our people not to give up hope because ultimately we can only defeat terrorism collectively, not in isolation.
“What we are witnessing is terrorism, there is no other name for it. We may call it banditry, kidnapping, these are the remnants of the actors in the north-east that have found themselves in other parts of the country. Whether they are known as ISWAP, Shekau faction, they are remnants of what we are still dealing with in that part of Nigeria.
“That is why we must not treat the north-east in isolation of this problem. We are all victims as long as any section of our country is ravaged by this problem.
“On behalf of all your brother governors, I want to assure our people in Niger State that we are all for Niger State. We shall not rest until we resolve the challenges we have here as we have in other states.”
Fayemi said the problem is linked to poverty, inequality, illiteracy and loss of hope among Nigerians.
“The ultimate agenda is to destroy Nigeria, let’s not make any mistake about it. It’s either we succumb to that agenda or fight it with every fibre in our being,” he said.
Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello expressed his gratitude at the visit, which he said is a morale booster.
He said the state had always been peaceful but noted that there was an agenda by some groups to deprive “our young ones of having a good education.
According to him, though there had been incidences of kidnappings, it has never been of this magnitude.
“I think the time has come for us to come together and impose on the federal authorities to do the needful. I think there is need for the federal authorities to key in and work with state governments, so we are able to provide adequate intelligence and find a final solution to this menace.”
