By Doris Israel Ijeoma
Former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, has stressed the importance of engaging in dialogue as a means to address the prevailing security challenges in the North Western region of Nigeria.
In an interview with BBC Hausa service, Senator Yerima drew a parallel between the current situation with bandits and the past handling of militants in the Niger Delta, suggesting that a similar approach could lead to a resolution of the banditry issue.
According to Senator Yerima, it is crucial for the government to sit down and engage in discussions with the bandits, taking into account the fact that many of them are Nigerian citizens, although there are also foreign elements among them.
He pointed out that through dialogue, the Nigerian bandits can be convinced and empowered to abandon their criminal activities, just as the Niger Delta militants were persuaded to do in the past.
However, if peaceful negotiations fail to yield positive outcomes, the government should be prepared to employ force against the bandits wherever they may be.
Senator Yerima expressed his disappointment with the previous dialogues held between state governors and the bandits, stating that they were not conducted in good faith and outmost sincerity.
He personally monitored these negotiations and observed that many promises made to the bandits were left unfulfilled. ” This lack of commitment and follow-through undermined the effectiveness of the dialogue process and contributed to the persistence of the security challenges,” he said.
Nonetheless, Senator Yerima appealed to Nigerians to be patient and show more understanding with the new government led by President Bola Tinubu.
He reassured the public that positive changes would be witnessed before the end of President Tinubu’s tenure, indicating that the government is committed to addressing the security issues and implementing strategies to bring about lasting peace.
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