Tackle The Menace Of Banditry And Kidnapping In The North -By Abdulsalam Alkali

For the past few weeks, there has been a outcry by large number of people especially in the cyberspace debating on the issue reconciliation with bandits. Though, some large group of people admitted that it’s the only way to return back peace due to the failure of the government to bring an end to the menace of banditry and kidnapping happening in the North.

Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud gumi took the advocacy to the enclave of the bandits and there has been a positive result. Reconciliation has been a yardstick that is used over the years to amicably resolved issues. Hence, there’s nothing wrong in reconciliation with bandits or kidnappers as long as the needed peace can be attain.

The method worked in the Naija delta, where militants were granted amnesty by the then Late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua administration on the ground that they will keep their arms and walk toward the path of peace. Now, peace has been attained.

Boko Haram, For over the years has been unleashing mayhem and arson and made thousands of people homeless, some of which still languish in the IDP camp in the mercy of NGOs and the government while Boko Haram members were said to be rehabilitated and brought back to their communities even though some of their member still operate with impunity and causing discomfort among our people. If Boko Haram should be rehabilitated and reintegrated back their society what’s wrong with negotiation with Bandits. It’s a way forward and the only viable way to attain desired peace if it workout well because the military has failed in its responsibilities to protect Nigerians which is evident.

Hence the need for the government to support individual like Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi to reach a common ground with the bandits as panecia to the lingering issues. The government support and chart a way forward toward actualising peace in through reconciliation with the bandits and grant amnesty to all the bandits and kidnappers that are ready to lay down their arms for the sake of peace.

The government should constitute a committee that will work hand in hand with individuals and organisations to work together and bring a lasting solution to the issues of banditry and kidnapping in this country since the bandits are ready to give up their arms if their cries is been heard.

The Fulani herdsmen were neglected by the government with no education, good health care or even social orientation because they mostly live in remote areas spending most time looking after their animal. Had it been these people were educated nothing like this will ever occur. The government should listen to their grievances and work toward solving those problems with this perhaps we would’ve a society free from the menace of banditry and kidnapping.

Abdulsalam Alkali, writes from Maiduguri, Borno State.