On Sunday, former senator for Kaduna Central Shehu Sani outlined the problems with negotiating with criminal gangs that prevent state governors and the federal government from doing so.
Sani said that, unlike Boko Haram and ISWAP, bandits do not kill their victims in the name of religion.
He explained that criminal gangs are armed groups with a political, religious, or ethnic objective.
He claimed that bandits do not follow a single leader, but instead work together in loose alliances.
A social and political commentator tweeted, “Dialogue with bandits will not work for these three reasons; they are not an armed movement founded for the pursuit of any religious, ethnic, or political causes, other than extortion by atrocious blackmail, abductions, and cold-blooded murder of innocent citizens.”
“Two, they are not governed by a single authority but rather work in ad hoc groups and criminal gangs; three, money is their driving force; they kidnap and murder for financial gain.
“Bandits are not like Iswap and Boko elements, who use religion to justify their kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and murder of innocent populations.
It’s pointless to engage in conversation with Bandits. It was a mistake that governors who attempted it eventually came to lament.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate