The governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has paid a high-profile condolence visit to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago.
The visit follows a series of devastating terrorist attacks on communities within the Borgu Emirate of Niger State, which borders Kwara.
The discussions centered on moving beyond sympathy toward a unified tactical approach to the insecurity plaguing both states.
Abdulrazaq characterised the recent violence as a “heartbreaking” blow to the region.
He noted that the activities of these criminal elements have not only resulted in the loss of lives but have systematically dismantled the local economy by destroying livelihoods and displacing families.
Speaking on behalf of the Kwara State Government and the NGF, Abdulrazaq emphasised that the security of one state is inextricably linked to the security of its neighbors.
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“Efforts will continue to be made in collaboration with relevant authorities to address the security challenges across the country,” Abdulrazaq stated, reaffirming his commitment to a national solution for the current wave of instability.
Bago welcomed the visit as a vital sign of solidarity.
He highlighted the geographic reality that makes cooperation between the two states a necessity rather than an option.
Both states share a long border around the Borgu Emirate, making them vulnerable to the same mobile criminal groups.
The governor noted that the visit demonstrates a “togetherness” essential for tackling cross-border banditry and terrorism.
Bago expressed optimism that joint efforts would be more effective in neutralizing threats than isolated state-level operations.
The meeting marks the beginning of deeper strategic discussions aimed at securing the porous borders and protecting the agrarian communities that serve as the economic backbone for both Niger and Kwara states.
