Why I Support Negotiation With Bandits – Kaduna Governor
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has explained the reason behind the state government’s decision to negotiate with bandits, saying it is better than losing lives.
According to the governor, only the victims’ families will understand, and appreciate, why the government made such a drastic decision.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa service, which was monitored in Kaduna yesterday, Sani explained why his administration opted for a peace deal with the bandits unleashing terror in some parts of the state.
LEADERSHIP reports that Kaduna State has been under attack by bandits who continue to attack some communities, especially in Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Kajuru, and Birnin Gwari local government areas of the state, in addition to their attacks on travellers in major highways which resulted in the loss of many lives and property.
Governor Sani said, “The people affected by the violence called for the dialogue.For example, the Emir of Birnin Gwari has come with his subjects, calling for dialogue.
“When I asked his reason, he said ‘our communities have been plagued by the scourge of banditry, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and abduction of our people, for over a decade now, with no lasting solution in sight’.”
The governor added that following the pleas, he met with critical stakeholders, including the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, before finally deciding to initiate the peace deal.
Further explaining that the decision came after the bandits released 200 persons abducted in Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas of the state, the Kaduna governor expressed optimism that the deal would restore peace to the state and enable farmers to return to their farms and businesses to bounce back.
