....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
Northern based Arewa Forum for Good Governance (AFGG) has commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani for setting the trail to end the notorious activities of bandits in northern Nigeria after receiving the first set of repentant bandits and opened the cattle market, which had been closed for about 10 years due to insecurity.
According to the forum,with several senior bandit leaders coming out to surrender their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers,it is clear that the hope to finally tackle the problem of banditry once and for all is achievable.
The Arewa Forum for Good Governance,which made the commendations in press statement made available to journalists in Kaduna today held that, “The decision to consider dialogue and amnesty for the bandits for peace to reign in the region is not only laudable, but a creative approach to ending that has destroyed the image and hindered progress and development of the north and its people.
The statement signed by Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Bichi ,the group further said,”We have clamoured for amnesty for bandits as means to end the incessant attacks and killings of our people ,but with this singular efforts ,we can confidently say there is ray of light now.
“The good thing about the programme is that it adheres to international standards of disarmament,demobilisation and reintegration,ensuring that these individuals can return to society of productive citizen.
“The good news also is that the Governor promised that these individuals are going to be enrolled in a rehabilitation programme designed by the State Government in partnership with the Federal Government for reintegration and complete ceasefire.
“We Recalled how the Northern governors in 2019 at a security meeting resolved to grant amnesty to the bandits to pave the way for dialogue for peace to reign in the region ,but because it never saw the light of the day the onslaught by bandits continued unbatted.
While highliting the importance of good governance in effectively tackling the security concerns in the north, the forum joined Governor Uba Sani to warn the repented bandits against returning to crime.
“We urging other bandits to accept the call for ceasefire and stop the criminal activities that have damaged the economy of the region.
“It is worthy of note to equally acknowledge the military actions against banditry over the years with a caution that the olive leaf waved at the bandits should not be abused .
“At this juncture , we call on other governors to emulate Kaduna Governor and take similar actions, especially considering the fact military actions has not yielded much results.”
