Zamfara: CAN Backs Gov, Rejects Negotiation With Terrorists

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has backed the Governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal’s decision not to negotiate with terrorists.

CAN made this known to The Punch, saying the government should seek external help rather than resorting to negotiation with the criminals.

Amidst the upsurge in the activities of bandits, Governor Lawal has insisted that his government will not negotiate with bandits and terrorists.

The state helmsman also recently criticized the federal government for allegedly going behind the state to negotiate with some bandits on how to release some members of the NYSC who were abducted on August 17 by bandits on their way to the Orientation camp.

In a statement signed by Governor Lawal’s spokesman, Sulaiman Idris on September 30, the state accused the Federal Government of sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in the state by negotiating with bandits behind the state government.

The umbrella body of Christians in the country, however, said it’s concerned over the perceived helplessness of security agencies in the country to contain the activities of terrorists in some parts of the country, particularly in northern Nigeria.

Sunday Oibe, one of the leaders of CAN in the Northwest described the alleged negotiation with terrorists as “shameful and disgusting” by the Nigerian state, adding that banditry is an organized crime that must be crushed totally.

According to Him, “It’s shameful and disgusting for the Nigerian state to keep doing this to us as a people. We have been hearing the expression, ‘unknown gunmen’ did this and that over and over again. Suddenly, the unknown gunmen are now known to the point that the federal might is even allowing some of its officials to enter into negotiation with the bandits.

“As long as we keep living in denial, this problem shall remain unsolved. There’s nothing like bandits or unknown gunmen. This is an organised crime against the rest of us that are helpless. The successive governments know them, hire them, empower them and are using them against the rest of us.

“Are we saying that the Nigerian state is so helpless to win the war against these enemies of the state? If we as a nation have become so helpless, let us stomach our pride by seeking help elsewhere. This war must stop and the time is now. Personally, I don’t subscribe to the idea of negotiating with criminals and the enemies of the state. The government knows what to do and should stop playing games.”

He stressed that “negotiation is not the answer.”

“Rather, demonstration of political will to root out these criminals from the very root is the solution,” the CAN scribe said.