From Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
Governors of Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states have sought assistance of the European Union in ending the insecurity challenges in their respective states.
Sokoto governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who led others in a meeting with EU delegation also called for collective bid to halt banditry, kidnappings and violence in the Northwest states.
The meeting was attended by Governors Bello Masari, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Bello Muhammad Matawalle.
Tambuwal said the meeting was a coming together of friends to discuss, engage and how best they can support the Federal Government of Nigeria in resolving rising insecurity.
He emphasized that the governors are interested in the support likely to get from the European Union on behalf of the federal government.
Governor Masari on his part also solicited for more support from the EU, saying “we expect that results will come very soon.”
Zamfara state governor said his is confident that the international community is ready to support the region, particularly on the issue of insecurity.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ketil Karlsen said the meeting discussed the insecurity in the region, the regional dimensions of the conflict, the influence of the Sahel conflicts and arms proliferation.
According to Karlsen, “we all have programs already on ground in the North-West. We have humanitarian programs and development cooperation. We also engage in political discussion at federal, state levels and civil societies.
He also noted that the EU and its partners are already providing support and assistance to the North-West and hope to establish more opportunities, “because we know that this is what is needed to have durable solution at end of the day.”
Once these are accomplished, Karlsen further added, “then the international community can assist as we have done in the past.”