The Sokoto State Authorities has clarified that its current determination to open dialogue with armed bandits shouldn’t be misinterpreted as an indication of weak spot.
The clarification follows public criticism of the state’s provide to interact with bandits keen to give up their arms and embrace peace.
Talking on the matter, the Particular Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Safety, Colonel Ahmed Usman (Rtd), stated the dialogue initiative is considered one of a number of methods aimed toward addressing the state’s rising insecurity and defending civilian lives.
“Let it’s clear — we’re not negotiating as a result of we’re weak. We’re doing this to forestall extra harmless lives from being misplaced,” Usman stated.
He emphasised that the federal government stays dedicated to working carefully with safety companies to arrest and prosecute criminals, even because it considers dialogue.
“Dialogue doesn’t imply we’ve folded our arms. It means we’re exploring each choice. Drive alone hasn’t solved this drawback in years,” he added.
Usman famous that the administration is dedicated to peace by any means needed, together with safety operations, sufferer assist, and peace talks.
“We owe it to our individuals to attempt every thing, dialogue, safety operations, assist for victims, something that brings peace nearer.”
Sokoto, like a number of different states in Nigeria’s North-West, has confronted escalating assaults in current months, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their communities looking for security.