The Yobe State government has spent over N10 billion on dealing with insecurity and other problems caused by Boko Haram insurgents since 2011 to date, the governor, Ibrahim Gaidam has said.

The governor said some of the money was expended on providing support for the nation’s security forces engaged in the fight against terrorists in the North east.

Governor Gaidam, who spoke at a fund raising ceremony organised for his re – election bid, said these areas of support to the military include procurement of vehicles, payment of allowances, medical treatment to injured security personnel, and assistance to families of soldiers who lost their lives in battle.

The lamented that the money used in prosecuting the war could have been better spent to develop the state and improve the living conditions of the people.

“Our accumulated expenditure from the beginning of the insurgency to date is over 10 billion naira. It is obvious that the security challenges have slowed down the execution of our policies and programmes because funds that could have been used for the provision of social services are being deplored to support the fight against insurgency” the governor stated.

The governor seized the occasion to score some political points as he expressed dismay that the federal government has not been able to deal with the problem of insurgency.

He also lamented that in the last three months, Yobe State had been attacked by Boko Haram terrorists seven times. The attacks, he recalled, had been launched on Damaturu, the state capital, Potiskum, Damagum, Geidam and Babbangida.

Describing the insecurity in the North east as worrisome, Gaidam said it was obvious that there is need for the adoption of a different strategy and approach to the issue and called on the people to ensure victory for the APC so as to bring about that change.

Nearly N500 million was raised for Gaidam’s re – election at the ceremony.