Abuja, Nigeria — In a stern and unequivocal warning, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the federal government to refrain from negotiating with bandits and terrorists or considering amnesty for them.
This declaration came amidst growing concerns regarding alleged negotiations between government officials and bandits in Zamfara State.
Sunday Oibe, the Secretary of CAN for the North-West Zone, made these remarks during an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday.
He expressed deep dismay at the prospect of the government engaging in dialogue with individuals involved in criminal activities that have plagued the nation.
“It’s shameful and disgusting for the Nigerian state to keep doing this to us as a people,” Oibe stated.
He continued, “We have been hearing the expression, ‘unknown gunmen’ did this and that over and over again. Suddenly, the unknown gunmen are now known to the point that the federal might is even allowing some of its officials to enter into negotiation with the bandits.”
Oibe emphasised that denial of the problem would only perpetuate the crisis, asserting, “There’s nothing like bandits or unknown gunmen. This is an organized crime against the rest of us who are helpless. The successive governments know them, hire them, empower them, and are using them against the rest of us.”
He questioned the perceived helplessness of the Nigerian state in combating these security challenges, saying, “Are we saying that the Nigerian state is so helpless to win the war against these enemies of the state? If we as a nation have become so helpless, let us stomach our pride by seeking help elsewhere. This war must stop, and the time is now. Personally, I don’t subscribe to the idea of negotiating with criminals and the enemies of the state. The government knows what to do and should stop playing games.”
Oibe firmly rejected the notion that negotiation is the solution, stating, “Rather, demonstration of political will to root out these criminals from the very root is the solution.”
This warning from CAN adds to the ongoing debate regarding the approach the federal government should take in addressing the security challenges posed by bandits and terrorists in Nigeria. As the nation grapples with these issues, the call for a resolute stance against criminal elements gains prominence.
