Bandits, Kidnappers granted amnesty by North West governors

Yusuf Bello|

The governors of the six north-west states on Thursday said they have granted amnesty to bandits and cattle rustlers that have recently terrorised the region.

The governors agreed that in pursuit of peace, bandits should drop their weapons and no herdsman should be attacked.

Katsina state governor, Aminu Masari, made the disclosure while reading a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day security and reconciliation meeting with security agents, vigilante, volunteer groups, herdsmen and farmers in Katsina.

The communique read, “As from today, no vigilante group member or volunteers should attack or kill any herdsman, as sacrifice must be made by both sides to ensure peace reign.”

“Herdsmen and their families should be allowed to go about their normal businesses, attend markets and worship places without molestation provided they don’t carry arms.

“Those bandits who rustled animals from communities should immediately return them to the government or Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.

“Bandits should surrender their weapons and immediately release all those kidnapped and now under their custody.

“We are happy that we have seen some releases of kidnapped victims from Zamfara and other states.”

Also speaking after the meeting, Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle, revealed that north-west states would make available grazing reserve for the herders for them to settle in one place.

Matawalle said, “We are concerned that herders are always roaming around with their animals thereby exposing themselves to different kinds of hazards.”

“The governors took a uniform measure, you should also take a uniform decision not to rustle animals, kidnap or kill anyone. You should immediately release all people in your custody in order to show the world that you have truly repented.”