The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar, declared Wednesday that the north-west will take decades to be free of the ominous security threat.
During the ‘Inaugural North West Peace and Security Summit’ in Katsina, the Sultan spoke.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, governors from the seven states in the north-west geopolitical zone, service chiefs, and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, all attended the ceremony.
What they’re saying
In his speech, the Sultan stated
“What we must do is challenge these bandits because we all know the consequences of banditry and insurgency on our lives.”
“But getting out of it will take decades, if we ever do. We are all aware of the implications and challenges. The monarch indicated the willingness of the region’s traditional rulers to work with security forces and northern governors to tackle banditry and insurgency.
“I believe that at the end of the summit, proposals to bring insurgency to the barest minimum for people to go about their lives and businesses would be arrived at.”
In Essence
The Sultan of Sokoto’s statement highlights the deeply entrenched and complex nature of the security challenges in Northwest Nigeria. Banditry and insurgency have been persistent issues, exacerbated by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and weak governance structures. His acknowledgment that it might take decades to address these problems underscores the need for sustained, multifaceted efforts involving not only security measures but also socioeconomic development, community engagement, and effective governance.
The involvement of traditional rulers, security forces, and political leaders in the summit indicates a collaborative approach, which is crucial for any long-term solution.
