By
Managing Editor
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Former Governor of Zamfara state Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura has stated that, negotiation is an integral part of governance and should be pursued to address the issues of armed banditry in North Western Nigeria before resorting to extensive military operations.
Senator Yerima who called for dialogue with bandits, said, the federal government has the capacity to confront the challenges of armed banditry decisively.
He noted that poverty and ignorance were the causes of such conflicts, and proposed rehabilitation programs as a means to integrate the bandits into society.
Sen. Yarima stated this while addressing the press after meeting with the President Bola Ahmad Tinubu at the Presidential villa in Abuja on Monday.
“You see, these people are Nigerians. And I believe that the Nigerian government has the capacity,” he said.
“The military, and security agencies have the capacity to deal with them immediately if so directed; if they are given the resources they require and the support and political will”.
“But the collateral damage that could be associated with the actions that could be taken is what, I believe, should be avoided”.
“If you send an aircraft now to where you identify the bandits, it is not only the bandits that would be affected”.
“And if you will recall, Mr President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had a similar interaction with the militants in the Niger Delta, it was successful.
“So if the government now comes up with a program of rehabilitation, just like they did in the issue of Boko Haram when the issue was handled. I’m sure you will have a successful ending to this crisis.”
