The Christian Association of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government regarding negotiations with bandits and terrorists, as well as the prospect of granting them amnesty.
CAN emphasized that if the government finds itself incapable of combating terrorism, it should seek external assistance.
This cautionary statement was made by the Secretary of CAN for the North-West Zone, Sunday Oibe during an interview with The PUNCH.
Oibe’s remarks come in response to allegations that some federal government officials have engaged in negotiations with bandits in Zamfara State.
He said, “It’s shameful and disgusting for the Nigerian state to keep doing this to us as a people. We have been hearing the expression, ‘unknown gunmen’ did this and that over and over again. Suddenly, the unknown gunmen are now known to the point that the federal might is even allowing some of its officials to enter into negotiation with the bandits.
“As long as we keep living in denial, this problem shall remain unsolved. There’s nothing like bandits or unknown gunmen. This is an organised crime against the rest of us that are helpless. The successive governments know them, hire them, empower them and are using them against the rest of us.
“Are we saying that the Nigerian state is so helpless to win the war against these enemies of the state? If we as a nation have become so helpless, let us stomach our pride by seeking help elsewhere. This war must stop and the time is now. Personally, I don’t subscribe to the idea of negotiating with criminals and the enemies of the state. The government knows what to do and should stop playing games.”
