Amnesty For Bandits Is The Only Way To Curb Attacks – ACF

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said that amnesty for bandits is the only way to solve the incessant banditry and kidnapping in the North West region.

The group also faulted a statement credited to the Senate that negotiation between some governors and bandits is fuelling insecurity across the country.

Naija News had reported that the Red Chamber, on Wednesday, condemned some North-West governors for negotiating with the bandits.

The Senate noted that seeking amnesty for the repentant bandits would spell doom for the country, adding that the action will set a dangerous precedent in the country.

But according to the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Emmanuel Yawe, negotiating with the bandits is the only way to curb banditry and other criminal activities happening in the North West.

Yawe added that there is no proof that the governors’ negotiating with bandits were fuelling banditry.

Speaking further, Yawe stressed that open grazing is an outdated venture and urged herders to embrace ranching and other modern methods.

The ACF spokesman urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reduce the proliferation of firearms in Nigeria.

He said, “We agree with the Senate on all the issues except the one where there is an accusation that governors are collaborating and negotiating with bandits.

“We do not have any such evidence against any state governors.

“Open grazing is out of date. If the President can reduce the proliferation of firearms in Nigeria, our security situation in this country will improve.”