President Muhammadu Buhari has affirmed that terrorism remains a major threat to the peace and development of the West African sub-region.
In his opening address at the 56th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority Heads of State and Government in Abuja on Saturday, he said the recurrent terror groups were a reminder of the need to build enduring security partnership.
He noted the recent massacre of 33 soldiers by insurgents in the Niger Republic and assured that Nigeria stood in solidarity with its neighbour.
President Buhari said: “It is always gratifying when our regional Bloc comes together in the determination to advance our agenda for regional integration and promote the socio-economic development of our subregion.
“Terrorism remains a major threat to the peace and progress of our region. Recurring attempts by terrorist groups remind us of the urgency to build an enduring security partnership to confront and defeat the evil of cross-border terrorism.
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“It was with great shock and immense pain that I received the news of the tragedy last week in the Tilabari Region of Niger Republic, where over 33 valiant soldiers and other citizens of the country were brutally massacred in yet another cowardly terrorist attack by these enemies of peace and progress.
“As we mourn this enormous loss, our thoughts and sympathies go to the families of these heroes and the entire people of Niger Republic. In solidarity with our Nigerien brothers and sisters, may we now all rise to observe a minute silence and pray for the departed souls.
“Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let me now restate Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration and stress the need to always channel our energies towards realising new strategies and initiatives, which will accelerate the attainment of our regional aspirations for sustainable peace, security, stability and inclusive economic growth.
“To achieve these, we must put our people at the heart of our policies. Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you Abuja and wish us all fruitful deliberations.”
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