Niger Govt cannot negotiate with bandits – Lawmakers

The Niger State House of Assembly said under no circumstance will the state government enter into any negotiation with bandits.

The house made its position known during plenary after a matter of urgent public importance was raised by the member representing Bosso Constituency, Honorable Madaki Malik Bosso.

In his presentation, Bosso said the issue of insecurity is escalating and is posing a serious problem to the people in the state, particularly rural dwellers.

The member representing Bida 2 Constituency, Honorable Mohammed Haruna, in support of the motion, stated that negotiating with bandits will not yield the desired result.

Haruna noted that other states in the country that had tried it failed to succeed and, therefore, support the position of the state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello on the issue.

“There is no room for negotiation with bandits. Any attempt by the government or anyone to negotiate with the bandits will call for more attacks and problems. These people are stubborn and wicked that the moment you negotiate with them, they turn the state into a business venture and we will not allow it.”

Passing the recommendations declared by the members, the Speaker of the House, Bar. Bawa Wuse, said the state government will not in any way negotiate with the bandits.

He stated, “The federal government needs to do more in terms of intervention in addressing insecurity in Niger State.”

Wuse further disclosed that the leadership of the house will meet with the governor to proffer solutions and the governor will brief the members about the situation and steps so far taken by the government.

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