Due to renewed activities of insurgencies across parts of Nigeria, the leadership of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday has called on the Federal Government to convert forests to military bases as a measure to prevent further insurgents’ occupation and improve national security in the country.
Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of APC, made the call in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital during a condolence visit to the state over the recent terrorists attack on a military formation in Buni-Gari.
Ganduje, who led a delegation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), said the unfortunate attack was a deliberate distraction to divert the attention of the state from developmental goals to emergency responses.
“There was similar issue during his tenure as governor of Kano, where he established a military training ground in Falgore forest to neutralize criminal activities, also encouraged Yobe to explore the possibility of adopting same strategy,” he said.
Ganduje said the use of technology and surveillance in the forest which had become hideouts for criminal elements was paramount.
The national chairman, expressed deep sympathy over the attack which left a military base destroyed, adding,
“We are here to sympathize and condole with the government and people of Yobe State over the unfortunate incident in Buni-Gari,” he said.
In his remarks, Buni thanked the APC chairman and his delegation for the visit, saying it was a demonstration of true leadership and empathy.
“This visit is not just political, it is a clear sign of care. The attack in Buni-Gari is indeed a national concern. Insurgents are targeting military formations to steal arms, and these weapons could be used anywhere in the country,” he said.
“Insurgency is evolving and penetrating different regions under various guises. This is a wake-up call for all of us. We must act fast, collectively, and with a sense of national duty,” he said.
The Governor said the insecurity related issues would top the agenda at the upcoming Northern Governors’ Forum meeting in Kaduna, slated for May 10, assured the APC leadership that the governors would work with President Bola Tinubu to restore peace and stability in the region.
Buni also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies and collaborating with local communities toward tackling the threat of terrorism.
