Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has lamented over the escalating violence in the North.
He described the region as the largest killing field and biggest cemetery in the country.
He made the remark in a keynote address titled “The Role of Youth Leaderships in Warehousing the Youth Burge in the North for Development and Progress,” delivered at the Zaar Youth Development Association (ZAYODA) fundraising event in Abuja on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Dogara emphasized the collective responsibility in addressing these issues, noting that even those who have spoken out against the violence are now fatigued and resigned.
“Today, the North is faced with an unprecedented crisis so much so that nothing in our history prepares us for such a time as this.
“A vast number of us are addicted to rage with the rest to delirium. In our foolishness, we tend to define our happiness as the other groups’ unhappiness.
“Every single one of us is complicit in this. Even the few of us who have dared to speak up are already outrage fatigued and have surrendered to fatalism,” he said.
Dogara stressed the importance of unity for the North’s survival and prosperity, stating, “Our strength is not and will never be in our numbers but in our unity. When we are united, we will be strong and when we strive to keep our bond and remain undivided, we will be invincible.”
He painted a grim picture of the current situation, citing rampant insecurity, accusations of ethnic cleansing, and widespread violence.
“Attacks are unrelenting and there appears to be no end in sight. The situation has clearly gotten out of hand, in the wake of wanton killings by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and bandits, kidnap for ransom and mass abduction of school children in different parts of the North,” he added.
Dogara highlighted the devastating impact of violence on the region, with nearly 90% of the country’s insecurity burden borne by the North.
He also pointed out the alarming number of out-of-school children and the high rates of poverty and malnutrition in the region.
The former Speaker urged the youth to take on leadership roles and work towards a reconciled and prosperous North.
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