Katsina state Governor Aminu Bello Masari has said repentant cattle rustlers and armed bandits operating in the north-west have been granted amnesty by governors in the zone.
This, he said, was part of measures to improve free movement in the area.
Masari stated this Thursday in a communiqué read at the end of one-day security and reconciliation meeting with the security agents, vigilante and volunteer groups, herdsmen and farmers in Katsina.
“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 reigns.
“Herdsmen and their families should be allowed to go for their normal businesses, attend markets and worship places without molestation provided they don’t carry arms.”
He said those bandits who rustled animals from communities should immediately return them to the government or Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN).
Masari also said, “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,” he said.
The governor also said as state governments, they would intensify efforts to provide necessities that would make nomadic life meaningful like hospitals, schools, grazing reserves among others.
Also speaking, Zamfara state Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle said the governments would provide grazing reserve for the herders in order for them to settle in one place within the zone.
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.”
In his remarks, Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu said nobody was allowed to attack or kill anybody in the name of vigilante or volunteer group.
He also said anybody caught killing innocent people would be pursued by the police and prosecuted.
Similarly, the IGP said any herdsman that indulges in kidnapping or other acts would equally be arrested by the police where he would face full wrath of the law.
