Northern Governors Meet Over Rising Terror Attacks in the Region
Northern Nigeria is once again under siege from escalating terrorist attacks. In response, governors from the 19 northern states gathered in Kaduna today, May 10, 2025, for a high-stakes security meeting aimed at reviewing strategies and finding sustainable solutions to the worsening crisis.
A Region Under Siege
In the past two weeks alone, over **133 people** have been killed in violent attacks across the north, adding to the **250 deaths** recorded between early April and April 20. These tragedies have deeply shaken communities in Borno, Benue, Plateau, Bauchi, and Katsina states, among others.
- Groups like **Boko Haram**, **ISWAP**, **Lakurawa**, and a new terror group known as **Mahmuda** (aka the Mallam Group) have continued to terrorize rural areas, targeting civilians and security personnel alike.
## Kaduna Hosts the Emergency Forum
Although not officially described as an “emergency meeting,” today’s Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammad Yahaya, is being treated with urgency. The venue was the **Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna**, with all 19 governors or their representatives expected to attend.
Ahead of the NGF session, secretaries from each state held a preparatory meeting on Friday. Additionally, **North-West governors** met late Friday night to align their position before Saturday’s larger gathering.
## Violence Continues Unabated
Recent killings include:
– **May 7:** Boko Haram killed an army captain and soldier in Borno’s Gwoza Local Government Area.
– **May 6:** Armed herders attacked communities in Benue, killing an APC chieftain and three others.
– **May 4:** 25 people died in a deadly confrontation in Bauchi State.
– **May 2:** IS fighters killed 11 soldiers at a Yobe military base.
– **April 28:** Boko Haram attacked a Christian community in Chibok, killing seven.
– **That same day:** 26 people died after a truck hit an IED near the Cameroon border.
These attacks are relentless, and security personnel continue to be overwhelmed despite federal efforts.
## Calls for a New Strategy
Governor Yahaya said the meeting comes “at a critical juncture,” emphasizing the need for collaboration at all levels — federal, state, and local. The governors extended condolences to affected states and communities, and stressed the need for **urgent reviews of security strategies**.
The **Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG)** also plans to present a new security roadmap to the governors. The document reportedly outlines roles for governors, traditional rulers, the National Security Adviser’s office, and the Presidency, along with **timelines for action**.
## Controversy Over Foreign Herders
Recently, the Defence Headquarters attributed some of the violence to **foreign herders** crossing into Nigeria through porous borders. However, the CNG dismissed this claim as **political rhetoric**, urging military leaders to stop making excuses and start taking **visible action**.
## A Call for Unity and Action
As insecurity grows, civil society groups are demanding greater transparency and coordination. Steve Aluko of the **Civil Liberties Organisation** criticized inconsistent statements from national security agencies and called for the **return of local government autonomy**, which would empower communities to handle threats at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
With the North experiencing the highest levels of insecurity in recent years, today’s meeting marks a vital opportunity for governors to unite and act. Citizens are hoping this isn’t just another round of speeches, but a turning point in the fight to restore peace and protect innocent lives.
