Governor Yahaya Blames Alleged Marginalization Of Herdsmen For  Insecurity

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has dropped a bombshell. He disclosed that the failure of the Federal Government to understand the grievance of Herdsmen and Bandits has led to the spate of insecurity in the nation.

The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum added that the failure of the Federal Government to dialogue with Bandits led to the grievances that pushed them to take up weapons. He said it is one of the major factors worsening insecurity across northern Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, Hausa Service, the Governor revealed that the 19 Northern Governors have agreed to establish a joint regional security coordination agency, with each state contributing ₦1 billion monthly to strengthen collective responses to kidnapping, banditry, and school closures.

The decision to donate N1 billion Monthly Security was reached during the Northern Governors’ meeting earlier in the week, following a surge in attacks that have led to mass abductions and the shutdown of schools in several states.

Speaking further, Governor Yahaya explained that part of the security deterioration stems from the unjust treatment and marginalisation of pastoralist communities, which created anger, frustration, and conditions exploited by criminal networks.

He emphasised that addressing the root causes—including exclusion, lack of justice, and economic hardship—remains central to ending the conflict.

The Governor further added that the new regional security framework will improve intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and preventive strategies across the affected states.