Governor David Umahi has described bandits as “our children,” saying he is pained whenever the criminal elements terrorising residents are killed.
The Ebonyi State helmsman stated this in Abakiliki on Friday while presenting 40 Toyota Sienna vehicles and 20 Hilux vans to security agencies for enhanced operations in the state.
The governor who said he is also not happy with the killing of security agencies wants to negotiate with bandits.
He wants to toe the part most of his colleagues in the North followed but are now regretting despite the warning of President Muhammadu Buhari that such initiative will definitely backfire with dire consequences.
“I want to talk to the bandits and empower them as we cannot continue to kill ourselves and destroy public infrastructure,” Mr Umahi said as reported by Peoples Gazette. “The bandits are our children and I am pained when they or the security agencies are killed.
“I want to ascertain their grievances against Ebonyi or the federal government, and collate the facts for discussions to commence,” he said.
He also frowned at the discussion of 2023 politics at this turbulent time.
“Let us forget about the 2023 elections with the leaders taking responsibility for the situation and discussing a way forward,” the governor said.
“No one takes money to the grave and when we hear a gunshot, we will run and abandon the money we amassed.
“This is not a period to discuss political parties but ensure that the resources of this nation which can truly transform it is judiciously utilised,” he added.
