Banditry has been a major problem in northern Nigeria, especially in states like Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto. The violence, including kidnappings and killings, has forced state governors to look for ways to end the chaos. However, these leaders are divided on how to solve the problem.
In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani has taken a different approach by talking to the bandits causing the violence. He believes dialogue is necessary to protect lives and bring peace to the region. Governor Sani has emphasized that no money was given to the bandits during the peace talks. The goal was simply to stop the killings and make the state safer for everyone.
The results have been promising. The governor recently met with bandits who decided to stop their attacks and laid down their weapons. A major achievement was reopening a cattle market that had been closed for years due to insecurity. The truce has led to fewer attacks in some areas, but experts are cautious about whether the peace will last.
Zamfara State, under former Governor Bello Matawalle, had also tried talking to the bandits. Matawalle believed that dialogue could end the violence, even successfully negotiating the release of kidnapped girls. However, under the new leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, the approach has changed. Governor Lawal has made it clear that his administration will not negotiate with the bandits. He argues that previous talks only made the bandits bolder and more violent.
The disagreement between Governors Sani and Lawal shows the challenge of finding a solution to the problem of banditry. Some leaders, like Sani, believe that peace talks are the way to stop the violence without more bloodshed. On the other hand, leaders like Lawal believe that talking to criminals only encourages them.
Before these peace efforts, the northern states were plagued with violence. Highways like the Abuja-Kaduna route became infamous for kidnappings. While peace talks in places like Kaduna have led to fewer attacks, experts warn that bandits may break their promises, leading to a return of violence.
Dr. Isma’il Tanko Wudilawa, a retired military commander, says both dialogue and military action can work to solve security problems. While he supports Kaduna’s peace talks, he advises that the government must make sure the bandits stick to their commitments. Wudilawa also stresses the importance of balancing peace talks with strong security measures to ensure that peace is maintained in the long term.
Northern Nigeria’s struggle with banditry shows how complex and divided opinions can be. Some leaders believe dialogue can bring peace, while others think it only strengthens the criminals. As the governors continue to explore their options, it remains to be seen which approach will bring lasting security to the region.
