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Lists conditions, raises peace deal committee
From Agaju Madugba, Katsina
There were indications on Wednesday that Katsina State Governor, Umaru Dikko Radda, has reviewed his earlier position on possible negotiations with terrorists operating in the area, as he highlighted a certain window of opportunity for dialogue.
Reports indicate that terrorists, popularly referred to as bandits, hold sway in at least 22 out of the 34 Local Government Areas of the state, where they carry out campaigns of mass murder and kidnapping of residents for ransom.
The Governor spoke on Wednesday when the GOC, 8 Division and Commander Joint Task Force North-West Operation of the Nigerian Army, Major-Gen. Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House.
According to Radda, the government can only enter into a peace deal with the bandits on certain laid-down conditions “to ensure lasting peace,” adding that negotiations can only be successful with the full acceptance and involvement of the concerned members of the communities.
As part of measures to achieve this goal, the Governor noted that a stakeholders’ engagement committee had already been established “to ensure community involvement in peace-building initiatives.”
He said that his administration was open to supporting the genuine repentance and reintegration of the terrorists into the larger society.
“The bandits are our brothers born within us, but choose to be criminals. Those who sincerely surrender and seek to rebuild their lives will find support from our administration,” the Governor assured.
“We are prepared to provide resources for their reintegration and livestock management, enabling them to become productive members of society,” the Governor added.
The Governor reaffirmed what he described as substantial investment in security infrastructure and further pledged continued logistical support to the security forces, to address fuel supply challenges and maintain operational effectiveness.
Radda said, “The collaborative operations of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and Katsina Community Watch Corps have yielded significant improvements in the state’s security.”
“Our farmers can now cultivate their lands and transport their produce to market. This tangible progress demonstrates the effectiveness of our joint security strategies.”
The GOC had earlier explained that he was in Katsina as part of his first-quarter operational visits to states under the 8th Division “to discuss the newly launched Operation Safe North-West. This initiative aims to mobilize communities, enhance security operations, and foster sustainable peace.”