Group To Northern Govs: Dialogue With Bandits

The Northern Elders Progressive Group,NEPG, has thrown its weight behind the efforts of some state governors in the North to negotiate with bandits. Specifically, the NEPG called on governors of the North-west to immediately commence negotiation with eh criminals in order to bring peace to the region.

NEPG Northwest Coordinator, Yusuf Abubakar, told journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital that it support the non-kinectice approach by the National security Adviser, NASA, Nuhu Ribadu  and other key stakeholders to  bring peace to the ravaged communities.

Recall that a former governor of Kaduna state Nasir El Rufai had last week criticized the federal government for allegedly bribing bandits to drop their arms, saying the security forces should rather go all out to neutralize the criminals.

According to him, huge sums of money have been paid to the bandits in other to placate them to stop their arson, kidnapping and killings.

But not a few Nigerians have also criticized the former governor, saying he’s only grandstanding on the issue as his government, while in office in Kaduna state also settled bandits with money.

The federal government has however denied the allegation of paying bandits, noting that it’s only interested in restoring peace to communities besieged by bandits.

According to the NEPG,  dialogue is the best option in ending years of bloodshed and skirmishes in the northern part of Nigeria.

Abubakar said the efforts of the NSA is paying off noting that peace has returned to some communities which were once  devastated by the bandits. He explained that development can only thrive where there is peace, urging governors in the region to priosise dialogue instead of embarking on costly military operations, which he said has led to the loss of many lives, adding that dialogue has been used by ‘powerful nations”  to settle dispute with the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Houthis.

He said, “We are happy with the steps being taken so far. Travelling recently from Sokoto to Gusau, and from Funtua to Zaria, I observed a more peaceful atmosphere. Compared to before, there is improvement in security, in patrols, and in the safety of commuters along that road.

“It is better for a governor to spend his resources on saving lives than spending billions on condolence. One life is far more important than any political gesture

“Even powerful nations have negotiated with the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and the Houthis. Negotiation is not a weakness; it is about saving lives.”