Northern Nigerian governors are split on how to tackle rising banditry in states like Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto. While some advocate for dialogue, others reject negotiations, reflecting differing strategies to address the crisis.
Kaduna: Governor Uba Sani’s Peace Talks
Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has defended his decision to engage in peace talks with bandits, emphasizing the goal of saving lives and restoring peace. He clarified that no payments were made to the bandits, and the six-month dialogue led to tangible results, including the surrender of some bandit leaders and the reopening of a cattle market closed for a decade due to insecurity.
Zamfara: Contrasting Approaches
Zamfara’s former Governor Bello Matawalle favored dialogue, securing the release of 26 kidnapped girls. However, current Governor Dauda Lawal has taken a hardline stance, refusing to negotiate with bandits, citing past failures where dialogue emboldened criminals.
Mixed Outcomes
Before peace initiatives, states like Kaduna faced rampant kidnappings and violence, with the Abuja-Kaduna highway dubbed the “highway of kidnapping.” While dialogue in Kaduna has reduced attacks in some areas, the sustainability of such agreements remains uncertain, as some bandits have reneged on past deals.
Expert Insight
Retired Joint Task Force commander Dr. Isma’il Tanko Wudilawa acknowledged the potential of dialogue but stressed the need for bandits to honor their commitments. He urged a balanced approach, combining dialogue with strong security measures to ensure lasting peace.
The divide among northern leaders highlights the complexity of addressing banditry, with some viewing dialogue as a path to peace and others fearing it legitimizes criminality. The long-term success of these strategies depends on the sincerity of bandits and the government’s ability to enforce agreements.
Report: Daily Post
