Tension In The North: Governors’ Summit Put On Hold Amid Secret North-West–Senate Engagement

The meeting of the 19 northern governors, earlier slated for November 29 in Kaduna State, has been postponed following a separate security engagement involving governors from the seven North-West states and federal authorities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The summit, convened by the Northern Governors Forum, was expected to address the renewed wave of terrorist activities across Northern Nigeria, particularly in mining areas, rural highways, and communities reporting increased school abductions.

However, the seven North-West governors are currently participating in a high-level security briefing with the Senate Committee on Army and senior regional security commanders.

According to TheCable, the meeting is centred on “persistent threats confronting the zone,” marking an unusual level of collaboration between state and federal security structures.

In recent weeks, communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states have suffered fresh attacks, including kidnappings on highways, school premises, and farmlands—raising widespread public concern.

Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, had earlier confirmed the planned November 29 meeting and the involvement of traditional leaders.

He stated, “The meeting is aimed at developing a collective strategy to address the region’s security challenges and determine the way forward. Citizens also have a responsibility to support the fight against insecurity by providing security agencies with credible information on individuals with criminal tendencies.”

The northern region has experienced a surge in kidnappings and fatal attacks in recent weeks, including two major incidents involving schoolchildren. While security operations have intensified and some victims have been rescued, several abductees are still being held by their captors.