There has been an increasing trend of terrorism in Nigeria. Although they are many factors which aid the activities of terrorists in Nigeria, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of River State believes that lack of job opportunities made available for the Nigerian youths is responsible for the high increase rate of terrorist activities in the country.
He disclosed this when a delegation of diplomats led by the United States assistant secretary of state, Bureau for Conflict Stabilization and Operations, Washington DC, Mr. Rick Barton, and the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwinstle, paid a courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
“The Nigerian government needs to do more to reduce conflict. For me, the way to reduce conflict is not just equity but the ability to provide opportunity for those who don’t have because lack of opportunities increases conflicts.
“If everybody is given nearly equal opportunities to go about their businesses and provide income for themselves, then the Nigerian environment would likely see peace.
“If we don’t provide such opportunities for them, there would be conflicts because poverty is everywhere. That is what you are seeing in Nigeria,” He said.
The Governor further urged Nigerians to assist the Federal Government in fighting terrorism as the war against terrorist is rather cumbersome for Government to handle alone.
