THIS DAWN — Northern governors and leading traditional rulers are currently holding a high-stakes emergency security meeting in Kaduna, amid mounting fears over the deepening wave of violence sweeping across the region.
The closed-door session is taking place at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the Kaduna State Government headquarters.
Governor Uba Sani is hosting members of the Northern States Governors’ Forum alongside Northern Traditional Leaders Council.
The forum is chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya.
Meanwhile, the traditional rulers are led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The gathering brings together some of the most influential political and cultural authorities in Northern Nigeria at a time when communities are reeling from escalating attacks.
According to officials familiar with the agenda, the meeting is focused almost entirely on the deteriorating security landscape.
Banditry, terrorism, kidnapping on front burner
The situation is marked by intensifying banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and deadly clashes between farmers and herders.
In recent months, hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced across states such as Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, Plateau, and Benue, with many rural communities now living under constant fear.
Sources say the leaders are examining intelligence reports, assessing gaps in current security strategies, and considering coordinated regional measures to stem the violence.
Key proposals
Key proposals under review include expanding joint security operations, strengthening community-based intelligence networks, adopting uniform policies on cattle routes and farming settlements, and pushing for improved federal deployment of troops and equipment to hotspots.
The meeting is also expected to deliberate on the rising humanitarian burden created by the mass displacement of villagers, the economic strain on farming and trade, and the impact of insecurity on school attendance—particularly in rural communities where several learning centres remain shut due to threats from armed groups.
Governor Uba Sani, who has consistently advocated stronger regional collaboration, said before the meeting that Northern Nigeria “stands at a critical crossroads” and requires unified action from both state authorities and traditional institutions.
Resolutions from the emergency summit are expected to be announced after the closed-door deliberations conclude, with many Nigerians hoping the outcome will signal a decisive turning point in the region’s long-running battle against insecurity.
