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Following the incessant spate of criminality; kidnapping and abduction in the country by bandits, many have called for dialogue to aid reduction of violence and killings in the North-west.
Reacting, the spokesman for the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, Abdulazeez Sulaiman, warned that the implications of such a peaceful-building strategy should be considered before embracing it.
He explained that should dialogue become an option, stakeholders should ensure they do not inadvertently legitimize criminal behaviour or undermine the rule of law.
Sulaiman, noted that negotiating with bandits terrorising the region may potentially yield positive results.
This came on the heels of denial by the Zamfara State government that it had commenced dialogue with bandits, with a huge amount of money allegedly earmarked for the exercise.
It said money won’t be paid to bandits, expressing commitment to the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Abubakar Nakwada, who said this in Gusau, the state capital, noted that documents claiming it had not only commenced engagement with bandits, but also paid huge amounts of money to them “were not only fake but also mischievous, misleading, malicious and false. “
However, an NEF spokesman said engaging with bandits necessitates careful navigation of ethical considerations and the need to uphold the rule of law.
His words: "In recent years, North-West of Nigeria has grappled with a rising tide of banditry, characterized by violent attacks, kidnappings, and other forms of criminality.
“As these challenges continue to pose a significant threat to both the safety and economic stability of the region, some state governments have reportedly considered initiating dialogue with bandits and their leaders.
“I personally believe that engaging bandits could potentially yield positive outcomes—chiefly the reduction of violence, the restoration of order, and an opportunity for reintegration into society. From this perspective, dialogue is seen not merely as a tactical manoeuvre but as a necessary step toward a long-term resolution of underlying issues.
"Those in favour argue that many of these bandits emerge from environments marred by poverty, limited economic opportunities, and social disenfranchisement. By addressing these root causes through dialogue, there exists the potential to dissuade individuals from engaging in criminal activities and foster sustainable peace.
‘’While dialogue with bandits in Northwest Nigeria could potentially hold merits in terms of conflict resolution, it is fraught with complexities that require rigorous scrutiny. Stakeholders must remain vigilant about the implications of such strategies, ensuring that they do not inadvertently legitimize criminal behaviour or undermine the rule of law. Instead, a multifaceted approach that prioritizes empowerment, stability, and justice for all citizens may emerge as the most viable path toward lasting peace in the region’’
“To address these multifaceted challenges, it is imperative that any approach, whether transactional or dialogical, be grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political and economic dynamics at play.
“Strategies aimed at dialogue must be complemented by robust law enforcement measures and community engagement initiatives that prioritize the welfare of the citizenry. Enhancing local governance structures and providing economic alternatives to vulnerable populations may also mitigate the allure of banditry.
“Ultimately, the dialogue with bandits raises essential questions about governance, justice, and societal values in Nigeria. It challenges policymakers to find a balance between the immediate imperative of reducing violence and the overarching goal of fostering a just society. Engaging with bandits necessitates careful navigation of ethical considerations, the need to uphold the rule of law, and an unwavering commitment to holistic developmental strategies.”
