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Military overwhelmed in tackling security challenges in Nigeria: Governor

Governor (Dr.) Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State (2nd right) at a Nigeria Governors Forum Meeting Photo: File

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to the recent mass killings of not less than 67 rice farmers by Boko Haram terrorists at Zabarmari, about 20km from Maiduguri, Borno State, and the swathes of condemnations the mass murder of innocent citizens have attracted from all over the world, Governor (Dr.) Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has declared that the Nigerian military is no longer in a position to single-handedly tackle the security challenges in the country effectively.

The governor stated this Wednesday, December 2 when members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) paid a visit to the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, over the recent massacre of rice farmers by Boko Haram insurgents in the state.

Nigerian soldiers

The NGF in a statement titled, ‘Governors Forum: Security Challenges Are beyond the Military,’ Dr. Fayemi said Nigerian military was overwhelmed and needs support to tackle the increasing security challenges across the country.

He stated: “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 a 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.”

According to the NGF, “it’s 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 isn’t a visit to gratify ourselves; no, it’s an expression of also our own frustration.

The Ekiti State governor further noted: “We cannot bring back the people we’ve lost in the last couple of days, but if we don’t take the necessary steps the entire nation will be consumed by this insurgency.”

Aminu Tambuwal Waziri, Governor of Sokoto State and Vice-Chairman of NGF, Abubakar Bello, Governor of Niger State, and Atiku Bagudu, Governor of Kebbi State, were also on the delegation for the condolence visit to Zulum in Maiduguri, Borno State.

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