Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State has said dialogue remains the best option to end banditry in the country.
Mohammed said this while responding to questions from newsmen in Yola, Adamawa State capital, on Thursday.
The governor was in Adamawa on an official visit to witness the inauguration of Phase II rural roads projects and distribution of maintenance equipment held at Kuva-Gaya in Hong Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the best option to douse tension and bring an end to banditry in Zamfara and beyond is to subscribe to dialogue.
“I have been always saying, the best solution and option to tackle banditry is to seek for dialogue with the bandits.”
“If really we want to end this banditry activity, we have to sit on a round table and negotiate.
“Because through dialogue and reconciliation we are able to secure the release of many people who were under the captivity of kidnappers.
“So, the best way out for my colleagues, governors, is for them to subscribe for dialogue,” Matawalle said.
He maintained that the dialogue option was not meant to fight for those that refused to repent, but the government is using carrot and stick approaches.
The governor noted that some bandits that prepared for dialogue, government sit with them and listen to their grievances, if any.
“But those that refused to take path in dialogue we fight them. Because, as a governor, my number one priority is to ensure peace and stability, and to ensure people are sleeping with two eyes closed,” Mohammed added.
