Buhari: My govt deeply affected by herdsmen attacks

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured Nigerians that the rising attacks on communities by herdsmen would soon be brought under control.

He said the unfortunate incidents, which had resulted in loss of lives and properties, had already brought sorrow and hardship on many Nigerians, with the government deeply affected.

Buhari, according to his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, said this at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday, while receiving the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

President Buhari, however, did not explain how the attacks affected his government.

He said his administration remained resolute and focused on delivering on the threepronged promises of securing the lives and properties of Nigerians, halting the pillage of the economy by corrupt public officials, and creating employment opportunities for the youths.

President Buhari said the initial economic challenge posed by recession was already dwindling, with the economy smarting out and posting better results on falling inflation rates, higher foreign reserve and better ranking on ease of doing business.

“If you look critically into the 2018 budget, we have already taken into account key issues of more stable electricity, construction of roads and rails, and the airport concession’’ he said.

The president said government would work more to accelerate and increase momentum in agriculture, power, gas, manufacturing and processing, while commending the Chinese government for its support in improving infrastructure in Nigeria.

“Since independence, no country has helped our country on infrastructural development like the Chinese. In some projects, the Chinese help us with 85 per cent payment, and soft loans that span 20 years. No country has done that for us,’’ he said.

Chairman of the NESG Board of Directors, Kyari Abba Bukar, commended government for the “Pragmatic approach’’ in engaging with citizens of Niger Delta region which had translated into steady rise in oil production.

Bukar said the outlook on the economy remained upwardly positive, projecting a 3.5 per cent GDP growth, urging the president to pay more attention on the herdsmen attacks, which could reverse gains recorded in the agricultural sector.