The Northern Elders Progressive Group has urged governors in the North-West to negotiate with bandits, arguing that it is better to spend state resources to save lives than embark on condolence visits.
In a statement issued in Sokoto on Tuesday, the group’s North-West Coordinator, Mallam Yusuf Abubakar, said the forum was encouraged by non-kinetic measures being championed by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other stakeholders to restore peace.
“We are happy with the steps being taken so far. Travelling recently from Sokoto to Gusau, and from Funtua to Zaria, I observed a more peaceful atmosphere. Compared to before, there is improvement in security, in patrols, and in the safety of commuters along that road,” Abubakar said.
He urged governors to embrace dialogue, insisting it was a more effective option than repeated condolence visits and military operations that overstretch security forces.
“It is better for a governor to spend his resources on saving lives than spending billions on condolence. One life is far more important than any political gesture,” he said.
Responding to critics who oppose negotiations with bandits, Abubakar stressed that dialogue had proven effective in other conflict zones across the world.
“Even powerful nations have negotiated with groups like the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and the Houthis.
Negotiation is not weakness; it is about saving lives,” he argued.
He also faulted governors who publicly claim to know the movements of bandits but fail to share such intelligence with security agencies.
“It is unbecoming of a leader to say he knows the movements of criminals but does nothing with the information. Such propaganda is irresponsible,” he said.
The NEPG further defended the NSA and members of the committee driving the peace process, warning against politicizing or ridiculing their efforts.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser represents unity, peace, and security for the country. Attacking it is an attempt to destabilize the whole nation,” Abubakar warned.
The group commended the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Intelligence, Senator Shehu Buba, alongside other eminent Nigerians, for their contributions to building dialogue frameworks between communities and bandits.
“They have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the dialogue despite being insulted and maligned by certain groups sponsoring lies and propaganda against them—especially targeting the positive initiatives of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu,” Abubakar added.
The NEPG called on governors across the North-West to work in synergy with the NSA, the Minister of Defence, and the Service Chiefs to ensure the peace initiative succeeds.
Credit: punchng.com
