Bandits reportedly hold ‘peace meeting’ in Niger forest

Reports reaching CAPITAL POST indicated that Commanders of various group of bandits operating in Niger State have held a meeting with themselves and contemplated dialogue with the State government.

The meeting took place on Friday last week in the forest located somewhere in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger state.

A source confided in our correspondent that the meeting was at the instance of a particular Commander and was well attended by commanders of other groups and their gangs operating in Niger forests.

The meeting was without the representative of Niger State government.

Source said, Niger State government promised to listen to bandits’ grouse when the release of the abducted Government Science Secondary School boys and their teachers were negotiated.

Niger State governor, Abubakar Sanib Bello was not ready for kinetic approach to tackling banditry in the State, given that Niger has been overwhelmed with attacks.

Reacting to the development, Niger State Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matene, confirmed that a meeting of bandits took place.

SSG said bandits chose not to allow government representatives for now so that it will be easier for them to agree with themselves especially the foreign groups.

Matene expressed optimism that peace would be restored in Niger, if bandits have concluded their plans, saying that their resolution will be conveyed to the State governor.

He said: “One of the capos commanders called a meeting to find out how they would extend the hands of dialogue to the state government so that there would be peace in the state.

“It was their meeting and they held it and talked about how we can have peace in the state and how the banditry activities in the state will end.

“When they are done with that, we will contact them again to see some resolutions that the government can also take advantage of.”

Matane further said that the state government was still reaching out for peace to any of the bandits interested in dropping their arms and adopting a legitimate lifestyle. He added that this does not mean that the government will abandon the carrot and stick approach.

“The stick is still there as the security officers are doing what they are supposed to do,” he said.