Food insecurity to worsen as terrorists amplify bloody battle in North-East
As Boko Haram insurgents and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have continued bloody battle across three
North-Eastern States as insurgency lingers in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, which according to informed sources, can worsen food insecurity in the North-East Region and the entire Nigeria.
The recent frightening situation has continued to aggravate the severe perplexities boggling residents in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, and all sections of the Region’s economy, which ultimately could undo the gains recorded against insurgency if it were quickly arrested.
BusinessDay had earlier reported that in the last three months, terrorists had renewed attacks on about six Military formations, killing more than 200 persons, including soldiers, and cache of arms and ammunition were either carted away or destroyed by invaders.
Speaking on the development, Ahmed Shehu, the Chairman network of North-East Civil Society Organisations appealed to the Federal Government and Nigerian Military to salvage what he described as a ‘scary situation’, noting the worst insecurity is food insecurity.
Shehu expressed concerns over the recent rampaging insecurity happening in the BAY (Borno Adamawa and Yobe) States, urging the North-East Governors’ Forum to unite and fight the coordinated and strategic resurgence in the region.
He said, “The recent happening is a really unfortunate situation considering that it was 48- hours after the North-East Governors’ Forum met in Damaturu, (Yobe) then we have (sic) this deadly attack in Yobe and the same home town of Governor Mai Mala Buni. I sent my condolences out to the people of North-East, especially on the recent attacks in BAY States and the Chairman of the Forum.”
He however queried what signal this recent happening means to Nigeria, saying, “It means that the perpetrators are kneeling watching, and they have set to achieve a target. This is a serious situation. What we need now is that the federal government should come in and salvage the situation. The Military needs to act now.
“Buni Yari – Biu road has been shot down for motorists as a result of constant attack in the axis. Now, the rainy season is fast approaching, and farmers need to farm. Currently, people have not started planting, but they are clearing their farms, so how do we farm this rainy season?
“The situation is gradually becoming scary because people can’t move from one local government or state now. I think it is a wake-up call because we are losing it. If the farmers can’t go to the farm, then we are losing it, and authorities’ concerns must rise up and protect the citizens.”
Collaborating the sentiments expressed by Shehu, Abubakar Mohammed Kareto, a Public Affairs Analyst, said “Yesterday’s(Saturday) attack by Boko Haram insurgents at the 27 Task Force Brigade, Bunigari in Gujba Local Government Area of the State was indeed a sad development and should be a source of concern for everyone in the region.
“However, this incident came less than 48- hours after the North-East Governors held their 11th Forum Meeting In Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, and the Governors, interestingly mentioned the need to enhance security and agricultural activities.
“This is coming at a time when farmers are preparing their land for this year’s farming season. Definitely, this will pose a great threat to general food security in the region as it will send signals of fear to farmers around Yobe State.
“There is a need for the federal government, which owns the armed forces and other integral security apparatus, to work closely with the northeast governor’s forum, particularly governors of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, where the insurgents seem to be operating to enhance security presence and increase food security.”
He urged the governors to focus on a multi-pronged approach that includes strengthening security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving market access; these approaches to food security can not be achieved without adequate safety of farmlands and farmers.”
“Collaboration is essential among communities, and states for food security in the region’s already frail and vulnerable populations; only this will prevent the food shortages and hunger next year.” He emphasised.
Source: BUSINESS DAY
