Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, has warned of the likely emergence of a terrorist group deadlier Boko Haram if the factors that gave birth to the notorious group are not taken care of.

A Daily Sun report said the Governor gave the warning yesterday when he received a 12-member Assessment Team of the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN) and World Bank (WB) on insurgency devastated areas in the North-East to Bauchi.

“Rebuilding infrastructure is important in rebuilding the areas but addressing the underlying factor of the insurgency is much more important because the North-East is seriously affected by poverty and ignorance. If poverty and ignorance are not properly addressed, they could provide grounds for the rise of another crazy group if Boko Haram is taken care of. We are running a risk if poverty is not addressed,” he reportedly said.

Alhaji Abubakar, according to the report, described the mission of the team as a welcome and timely one in view of the devastation Boko Haram has unleashed on Nigerians particularly those residing in the North-East.

Earlier in his remarks, leader of the delegation, Alhaji Wakil Adamu, of the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, disclosed that the mission was a combination of the Federal Government and development partners who have seen reason to assess and support the commitment and initiatives of both the federal and the affected states governments’ initiatives to rebuild areas devastated by Boko Haram.

On why they were in Bauchi, Adamu said: “The focus is to do an on-the-spot assessment, interact with the people, inspect destroyed places, find out what happened, what the government of the affected state is doing and how to compliment government’s efforts.”

He said the team is divided into three infrastructure and social investment, social cohesion and economy respectively.

Adamu was accompanied on the visit by officials of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency and United Nations Children’s fund (UNICEF), among others.

•Photo shows Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau with key aides.

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