Buhari Laments Effects of Violence on North’s Economy

FORMER Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has lamented the harm done by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North to commercial activities in the region.
Buhari, who on Monday blamed Nigerian leaders for growing insecurity in the country, regretted that traders from neighbouring countries, who thronged the North for various goods, no longer show up because of the spate of violence in the area.

The Congress for Progressive Change candidate for the 2011 presidential election spoke when he visited Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Wednesday.

He said, “It is on record that over 200 articulated truck vehicles left Kano every day for Maiduguri and in Maiduguri, traders from Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic would be waiting to receive their goods from Kano.

“Now, that situation has virtually gone because of the security threat in Kano and other northern states.

“How many Nigerians; because of this dastardly act are now forced and pushed into poverty, since it was no longer business as usual in Kano.”

He sympathised with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, and the state government over the coordinated bombings and gun attacks in Kano on January 20. Over 180 persons were reportedly killed in the attacks by suspected Boko Haram members.

Buhari said, “I am here to commiserate with them over the bombing incidence that rocked the state, and for the extra security being provided. It is sad and I hope we would get over it as soon as possible.

Source: PUNCH