Zamafara state Governor Bello Matawalle has asked repentant bandits in the state to sustain the peace dialogue initiated by his administration in order to maintain peace, stability and development.
The call was contained in a statement issued in Gusau Tuesday by his chief press secretary, Alhaji Jamilu Iliyasu.
It stated that the governor made the call at a meeting with the repentant bandits, Fulani leaders and leaders of the outlawed vigilante group popularly known as Yansakai.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Matawalle introduced the peace dialogue with warring factions of bandits as part of his measures to address security challenges in the state.
The governor expressed dismay over the attitude of some of the repentant bandits “who are working to sabotage the peace initiative.”
At the meeting, Matawalle urged all the warring parties to embrace the dialogue for the sustenance of peace and tranquility in the state.
The governor commended members of Yansakai for presenting their arms to the state government through security agencies.
He also called on the Fulani leaders to enjoin their members to maintain the existing peace being enjoyed in the state.
“We will be conducting meeting with all the security stakeholders in the state monthly as part of the strategies to maintain and stability,” the governor was quoted as saying in the statement.
The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies in the state, Fulani leaders and vigilance groups, among others.
