Youth group laments insecurity in North, expresses faith in military leadership

A Northern peace advocacy organisation, the Northern Youths Renaissance for Peace and Restoration, has raised fresh concerns over the heavy toll banditry and insurgency continue to inflict on the region.

In a statement issued after its meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the group said the North remains “bleeding and lagging behind” because insecurity has been allowed to grow unchecked.

Reading the communiqué, the group’s Secretary, Salisu Gambo, noted that the worsening security environment has pushed socio-economic development to the background.

He announced that the organisation has passed a vote of confidence in the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Armed Forces, expressing faith in their capacity to confront the crisis.

Gambo added that funds that should ordinarily support development initiatives are being diverted towards tackling terrorism and banditry. According to him, the dire situation has also scared off potential foreign investors, who would be unwilling to risk doing business in the region under current conditions.

The group appealed to Northern elders and leaders to reflect deeply on the state of the region, stressing that what is being left behind is “a battered region.”

Its statement read: “Our region is bleeding and lagging behind. Where is all the security funding going? Who in their right minds would want to invest in the North?”

Reaffirming support for the military, the group added: “They are making huge sacrifices to restore peace in our region. We must play our role very well for their sacrifices not to be in vain.”