APC gov in southeast invites Fulani bandits, IPOB, others for settlement

Ebonyi Governor David Umahi as declared how much he cares for bandits—Fulani and IPOB—killing citizens ad attack police facilities in the state, stating how much it hurts him to hear them die.

Umahi disclosed this at the presentation of 40 Toyota Sienna vehicles and 20 Hilux vans to security agencies for enhanced operations in the state.

He urged the bandits to come forward with their grievance for negotiation.

“I want to talk to the bandits and empower them as we cannot continue to kill ourselves and destroy public infrastructure,” he said.

“The bandits are our children, and I am pained when they or the security agencies are killed.

“I want to ascertain their grievances against the Ebonyi or federal government, collate the facts for discussions to commence.”

Umahi’s position contradicts his APC fellow in Kaduna, Gov. Nasir El Rufai, who has sworn, even on his son’s life, he will ever ay ransoms or negotiate with bandits kidnapping and killing hundreds of citizens in the state.

The federal government also condemns such velvety approach to tackling banditry.

But Ebonyi won’t be the first state to embrace dialogue with the bandits.

Zamfara Gov Bello Matawalle has made it a state policy to grant amnesty to repentant bandits willing to turn a new leaf.