Yobe state Government in Nigeria’s beleaguered northeast on Wednesday asked the Federal Government to refund N15 billion it spent in combating insurgency in the state.

Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, made the demand at an interactive session with journalists in Damaturu.

Aliyu said that the state government spent huge resources in providing logistic support to the security agencies fighting the insurgents, adding that such fund would have been used for the development of the state.

According to him, Yobe state spent up to N15 billion on assisting the military and other security agents to curtail the menace of insurgency in the state.

“Imagine what N15 billion can do if properly channelled into economic and infrastructure development of our state.

“Therefore, it is imperative for the Federal Government to reimburse the state the expended sum and also provide compensation for those affected by the dreaded Boko Haram attack,” he said.

He stated that the refund, when made, would enable the state governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, to execute more projects and programmes that would enhance the living condition of the.

The deputy governor expressed confidence that the incoming administration of retired Maj.-Gen Muhammadu Buhari would address the lingering socio-economic and security challenges in the North-East.

He also said that he was optimistic that the plan by the incoming administration to encourage vigorous search for oil along the Chad Basin would create wealth and employment opportunities in the region.

He, however, appealed to the people of state not to expect miracle from Buhari, stressing that the state had suffered long period of neglect from the Federal Government.

He decried the absence of the Federal Government’s projects in the state, saying “every project you see in Yobe is done by Gov. Gaidam’s administration.”

Aliyu expressed optimism that the country would witness rapid growth and development under the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government, and advised Nigerians to pray for Buhari to succeed.