No area under bandits’ control in Sokoto — Commissioner

The Sokoto State government said it has identified and negotiated with about 17 gangs of armed bandits, ‘‘a reason the state is now relatively peaceful’’.

The state Commissioner for Careers and Security Services, Conel Garba Moyi (rtd) disclosed this in an interview with newsmen at the weekend.

According to Moyi, the bandits sat with their leaders and they all agreed to renounce banditry and surrender their arms.

“We have so far recovered over 100 arms and the process to recover more is still on going,” he said.

On the reason some bandits still move around with their weapons in some areas, he said it was for selfdefence, as there was a gang warfare among some of them.

He however, denied that there were some communities under bandits’ control.

Col Moyi tackled critics of the on going negotiation, saying “those criticising the government for negotiating with bandits don’t know history of wars. They know nothing about security. I am sure they never had their relatives kidnapped for ransom”.

He disclosed that as part of the agreement, the bandits demanded permanent settlement with basic amenities, animal feeds; especially during dry season, grazing reserve and cattle routes among others.

“We thank God that the negotiation is working and people are enjoying peace in their villages and the issue of kidnapping has reduced significantly,” he said.

On why the negotiation was taking place in secrecy unlike that of Zamfara, the Commissioner said it was for the security and safety of those involved.

Col Moyi also said that no traditional ruler was found supporting banditry in the state.