Disturbed by the perpetual insecurity, killings and bombings linked to the Boko Haram in the North region, six governors of the states in the north-east zone under the platform of the North East Alliance for Transformation (NEAT) have asked the Federal Government and President Goodluck Jonathan to intensify efforts to dialogue with the sect so that peace can be restored in the area.

The governors made the request yesterday in a communiqué they issued at the end of their two-day summit in Bauchi.

The communique reads in part, "the meeting noted with appreciation, the role being played by the Federal Government on the security challenges facing the sub-region and urged that efforts should be intensified to dialogue with the Boko Haram insurgents so that a lasting solution is found for socio-economic growth and development in the entire sub-region," It also demanded the state governments of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, which made up the zone to pool resources to overcome the challenges of insecurity, health, agriculture, tourism and culture and revitalise its economy.

The governors said they have resolved to set out targets on short, medium and long-term bases to achieve the economic development of the zone.

This is just as the state chief executives agreed to also employ the services of professionals to prepare strategic plans for the economic development of the sub-region.

"Apart from that, the governors should approach willing development partners to assist with programmes to help in reducing the rate of insecurity and economic problems of the zone. Also in tackling the economic development challenges, governors in the zone should initiate investments in the areas of agriculture, education, solid minerals, power and energy."