774 Today News Report
Ibadan – Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has attributed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity to poor governance, poverty, and socio-economic challenges, describing it as a symptom of deeper systemic failures.
The governor made the remarks on Sunday during a sympathy visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at his private residence in Ibadan over the abduction of pupils and teachers from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Governor Mohammed, who was accompanied by leaders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), including National Chairman Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle and the party’s Bauchi State governorship candidate, Dr Yakubu Adamu, called for stronger collaboration among security agencies and citizens to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
“The security situation is a manifestation of a lack of good governance, poverty and the challenges of life. Beyond that, I think the citizenry should sit up and make sure they take their destinies into their own hands,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to reject criminality, avoid acting as informants, and actively participate in electing competent leaders at all levels. “During the next election cycle, people should take their destinies into their own hands,” Mohammed added.
The Bauchi governor expressed solidarity with Governor Makinde over the prolonged abduction of the schoolchildren and teachers, which occurred on May 15, 2026. He commended Makinde’s efforts and expressed confidence that the victims would soon be released, pledging Bauchi State’s support in any possible way.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Mohammed said he came to commiserate with his “jolly good friend” and APM presidential candidate over the unfortunate incident.
He also congratulated Governor Makinde on his emergence as the APM presidential candidate, describing him as “a young man with energy, determination and drive, who can do a lot to change the trajectory of leadership and good governance in Nigeria.”
Governor Mohammed further called for a critical review of the nation’s security architecture to ensure better synergy among security agencies and with the citizenry.
Governor Makinde received the delegation alongside the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Hon Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; and Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal, among others.
