By Nnamdi Ojiego
Contrary to reports that contacts had been established with the kidnappers of students and workers of Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State, Sunday Vanguard gathered that the abductors have not been located by state and non-state actors.
Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani-Bello, had said consultations were ongoing between government and some bandits for the purpose of releasing the abductees.
He added that negotiations were at the final stage.
This was sequel to a visit to some bandits in the state by Sheik Ahmad Gummi and some government officials.
But a source who was among those who visited the bandits told Sunday Vanguard that those who had a meeting with Gummi and Niger State officials were not the abductors of the Kagara students and workers.
Effort by Kaduna based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi to convince bandits to lay down arms and embrace peace, may be an exercise in futility as the criminals are used to getting big money and will not repent, Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i of Kaduna state has said.
El-Rufai advises Gummi not to waste time negotiating with bandits
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…Laments lack of unity among N/W Govs
…Declares Kaduna’s at war with bandits
By Ibrahim HassanWuyo
Effort by Kaduna based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi to convince bandits to lay down arms and embrace peace, may be an exercise in futility as the criminals are used to getting big money and will not repent, Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i of Kaduna state has said.
El-Rufai spoke on a BBC Hausa program monitored in Kaduna.
The governor reiterated that Kaduna was at war with the criminal elements, pointing out “my administration is at war with the bandits and so we cannot negotiate. Eliminating them is the only solution to banditry.”
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Governor Bello Matawallen has charged Islamic clerics to emulate Sheikh Ahmad Gummi by reaching out to the bandits and preaching to them the beauty of renouncing their illicit acts.
He also said he recognized his boldness and sacrifice.
This as he said he would continue with his administration’s peace process because the killings of innocent souls are significantly reducing since the beginning of the peace talks with the bandits.
In a statement issued by the Director-General Media and Communication, Yusuf Idris Gusau on Saturday, the Governor who made the declaration at the weekly preaching session said his administration will continue with the peace process because it is the only way to address the security situation in the state.