Zamfara Governor, Bello Matawalle said he advised his Niger
counterpart, Abubakar Bello, to negotiate with bandits.
Matawalle insisted negotiation was not a sign of weakness
but part of peace efforts because he realised not all bandits were criminals.
He made the remark after a meeting with President Muhammadu
Buhari at the State House on Wednesday.
Matawalle told reporters that he inherited banditry from the
previous administration in Zamfara.
“It had been there for almost eight years before I came. Following
the dialogue I initiated with the bandits, Zamfara is now very calm”, NAN
quoted him as saying.
“I have advised the Governor of Niger to meet with all
stakeholders and find out the root cause of the crisis so as to initiate
dialogue and ensure reconciliation. That is the only way to achieve what I have
been able to achieve in my State.
“Most of the criminals that caused trouble in Zamfara were
not from my State. Two months ago, we had some repentant bandits who
surrendered their weapons. One was from Yobe, two from Kaduna, two from Niger;
so, you see, it is a gang.”
Matawalle confirmed talks were still ongoing with Bello
concerning his state.
He disclosed that the governor was following steps for
peace, adding that there shall be an end to the clashes soon.
Staff, students and family members of the Government
Secondary School, Kagara in Niger, were kidnapped late Tuesday.
The federal government said there are political and military
options on the table.
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