Marginalisation by the previous government of Fulani herdsmen in the area of provision of basic necessity of life as well as illiteracy have been described as major factors responsible for the increase of armed banditry in Zamfara state.
This was the position of one of the repentant leaders of the bandits group in Tsafe local government area, Hassan Dantawaye during a peace /reconciliation meeting between the aggrieved bandits, Yansakai group and state Commissioner of Police, Usman Nagoggo.
The meeting was held Monday at the Emir of Tsafe palace in the headquarters of Tsafe local government area of the state.
He said Fulani herdsmen in the state are law abiding citizens in the local government of Tsafe and lamented how the previous government in the state showed lukewarm attitude by marginalising them and depriving their legitimate rights to education and to live peacefully.
He pointed out how the outlawed groups of vigilante took laws into their hands by killing, maiming and looting people’s belongings.
“We are ready to support the current peace/ reconciliation process initiated by the state government in collaboration with commissioner of police for peace to reign in the state,” Hassan stated.
He appealed to the federal and state governments to call the outlawed groups of vigilante, popularly known as Yansakai to stop killing people.
He also called on the federal and state government to look inwards by providing basic necessity of life which includes, schools, grazing reserves, hospitals and other logistics so that they can enjoy dividend of democracy like other citizens in the state.
In his response, the state Commissioner of Police, Usman Nagoggo said the peace/ reconciliation meeting was in line with the state government’s determination to ensure people live peacefully together.
He assured them that whoever breaches the peace would face the law, regardless of his position in the state.
