The North Western Governors Forum has on Wednesday reiterated its position of not negotiating with bandits terrorising the region.
The forum under the Chairmanship of Katsina state Governor, Dikko Radda, pledged to proactively confront and combat banditry by launching operations against bandit enclaves.
Speaking during the inauguration of Zamfara Community Protection Guards locally called Askawaran Zamfara, Radda said they have collectively resolved not to engage in any kind of negotiations with the bandits, noting that only repented bandits would be welcomed back into the society.
Radda emphasised their collective effort to establish a robust and resolute force dedicated to engaging and defeating the bandits in their strongholds.
“We have gathered here today with a common purpose: to unite against banditry and insecurity in the Northwest. Regardless of political affiliation, we are committed to never negotiating with bandits”, he said.
According to him, with Zamfara State coming on board, other states in the region like Sokoto, Kebbi and Kano are preparing to have their community guards all in the bid to tame the scourge of banditry ravaging the region.
In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State said his administration came up with the idea of establishing the local guards as a way to ensure the safety of citizens, especially at the grassroots who are constantly being attacked by bandits.
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“While we make these efforts, the lofty goals we set out to achieve will remain a mirage as long as the formidable challenge of insecurity remains unaddressed”.
“This informed our decision to, among other things, establish the Community Protection Guards, known as Askarawa. The Steering Committee for establishing the Community Protection Guards traversed the 14 Local Government Areas and screened eligible volunteers for enrollment into the outfit”.
“We believe that the bulk of the challenges we face as a state and region are borne out of severe neglect in advancing public policy to serve the socioeconomic expectations of our people. We will never take for granted the message of the people of our state through their votes in March 2023″.
“Today, therefore, the first batch of the Community Protection Guards, 2,645, are graduating. These young, energetic, and vibrant personnel have undergone rigorous training, extensive drilling, and an understanding of the rules of engagement, amongst other skills, in the due discharge of their responsibility of partnering, assisting, and working with the security agencies to defend our communities”, said Lawan.
