Northern elders to govs: Negotiate with bandits

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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. Punch