Boko Haram violence is destroying North’s economy —FG

The Federal Government has expressed worry over the potentially devastating effect of the Boko Haram crisis in the North.

Labaran Maku, the Information Minister while speaking to journalists in Abuja after the Federal Executive Council meeting said that the recent wave of strikes in Kano was damaging to the North, Kano being the region’s economic powerhouse.

“The North is losing heavily due to the violence. When you destabilise Kano, which is the commercial nerve center of the North, you are threatening the socio-economic well-being of the North,” he said.

“Kano is the economy of Chad, it is the economy of Niger Republic, of northern Cameroon, so when you destabilise peace in Kano, you threaten the foundation of economic and social well-being of that region.

“It makes no sense to attack innocent people and destroy the North,” Maku said.

Maku also stated that the region deserved peace and stability as “it is lagging behind in infrastructure and economic development.”

Boko Haram has also threatened to unleash violence in Sokoto like the one in Kano last month, allegedly because its followers were arrested there.

“Sokoto is the spiritual headquarters of Islam in Nigeria and the group claims they want to attack the city. In what way does that help Islam, or progress and development of the region if that is what they are fighting for?” the information minister added

He assured that government would continue to deploy resources and develop capacity “to contain further attacks”.

“A lot of arrests are being made, about 14 so far. The Federal Government is investing resources in intelligence and we are beginning to see results on a consistent basis.

“More security personnel are also being deployed to troubled spots and just recently, the Vice-President met with all Northern governors to forge a way on the issue,” he said.

Maku called on the Northern leaders, elders and other stakeholders to assist in bringing about a lasting peace.

President Jonathan last week said government would dialogue with Boko Haram if the sect comes out and clearly states its demands.