Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has advised other state governors in the country to dialogue with bandits for lasting peace in their domains.
Mr Matawalle who visited Adamawa state yesterday gave the advise in Yola while addressing news men.
He officially visited to witness the inauguration of Phase II rural roads projects and distribution of maintenance equipment held at Kuva-Gaya in Hong Local Government Area of the state.
The governor who granted bandits amnesty in his state said the move was the best option for peace as insecurity nationwide continues to worsen.
While Boko Haram terrorists, bandits and kidnappers are having a field day in the Northern part of the country, violent herdsmen in the Southern part are freely kidnapping, killing and terrorising their host communities.
“I have always been saying that the best solution and option to tackle banditry is to seek dialogue with the bandits. If really we want to end this banditry activity, we have to sit on a round table and negotiate,” Mr Matawalle said.
“Because through dialogue and reconciliation, we are able to secure the release of many people who were under the captivity of kidnappers.
“So, the best way out for my colleagues, governors, is for them to subscribe to dialogue.
“But those (criminals) that refused to take the path in dialogue we fight them. Because, as a governor, my number one priority is to ensure peace and stability, and to ensure people are sleeping with two eyes closed,” he added.
