The Zamfara State Government has said it will not negotiate with bandits or other criminal elements, but will accept the surrender of those who genuinely renounce violence and lay down their arms.
The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, stated this yesterday while responding to a social media post by Aminu Abubakar Tela Kaura on the government’s position on peace and reconciliation with bandits.
Dantawasa said the government remained committed to protecting lives and property and would continue to support lawful measures to tackle insecurity in the state.
He, however, said accepting the surrender of criminals who voluntarily abandon banditry should not be confused with negotiating or compromising with them.
According to him, the government has a responsibility to explore lawful avenues that could save lives and restore peace when those involved in criminal activities genuinely decide to surrender.
“The primary responsibility of government is to protect its citizens. Therefore, if accepting the genuine surrender of a bandit can prevent further killings, kidnappings and destruction of communities, such an opportunity should not be rejected simply because of political considerations,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that surrender would not automatically guarantee immunity from prosecution for crimes committed.
He said every surrender process must be subjected to appropriate security screening and handled in accordance with the law.
“Those who continue to carry arms and attack innocent citizens will continue to face the full force of the law,” he added.
Dantawasa said residents of Zamfara had suffered losses of loved ones, homes, farms, businesses and livelihoods as a result of years of insecurity.
He said the government was determined to end the crisis and enable residents to return to normal lives.
The commissioner cautioned against politicising insecurity, saying the issue affected all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
Security is not a matter of political party or political affiliation; it is a matter of life and death that affects every citizen,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to put aside political differences and support initiatives capable of bringing lasting peace to affected communities.
Dantawasa said efforts to address insecurity were sometimes wrongly interpreted as weakness or political calculation.
He said peace should not be mistaken for weakness, just as accepting the genuine surrender of bandits should not be interpreted as surrendering to banditry.
He added that the government would continue to deploy lawful measures, including security operations and community engagement, to protect residents.
(Daily Trust)
