Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State at the weekend explained that ongoing meeting with gang leaders of bandits terrorising the North-west of the country is aimed at stopping the escalating violence in the region, pointing out that dialogue has become an option following the failure of force.
Besides, he told newsmen that the discussions had shown that the bandits had understandable reasons for their actions, explaining that government felt that it was better to address their issues in order to find a lasting solution to the violence that had claimed many lives and property in the region.
Consequently, he said, a delegation of government officials from Niger Republic and their counterparts from Nigeria are billed to meet tomorrow with leaders of bandits from the two countries in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, to brainstorm on how to end cross-border banditry and other nefarious activities bedeviling the two countries.
Tomorrow’s planned meeting is against the backdrop of the recent attacks carried out by bandits from the neighboring Niger Republic on Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna states, despite the closure of the borders and the peace deal between the bandits and some northern states.
Jibia is a border town between Katsina State and Niger Republic, which is believed to be a stronghold of bandits from the Niger Republic, who are terrorising Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger and Katsina states.
Masari, who spoke in an exclusive interview with reporters at the weekend, said the meeting, which is in furtherance of his peace initiative, would also review the various approaches so far taken at individual country levels with a view to fine-tuning, re-strategising and strengthening them for enduring peace in the two countries.
This is coming as the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has restated his support for state police and the need for the country to adopt a multi-level approach in tackling security challenges, urging government to develop enduring national security policies.
Masari said the one-day security meeting would have leaders of the bandits from the two countries, security chiefs, government officials and other critical stakeholders as participants.