The Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, has said the only way terrorism and banditry can be brought to an end is by stakeholders in the security sector taking decisive actions.
He highlighted courage, equity and fairness as some essential steps that are needed to be taken to end the glaring security challenges in the nation.
Bello said this at the first national security summit on pastoralism with the theme; “Exploring the contemporary challenges facing pastoralism and Fulbe with the view of proffering workable solutions in curbing insecurity across the nation”
The event was organised by Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in conjunction with the Northern Consensus Movement, held in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel-Berje, on Thursday.
“Until the day when we are all treated equally as Nigerians, it will be difficult to attain peace.
“When a particular ethnic group is being treated like second-class citizens without access to government palliatives or not even recognised, then there is a problem”, the statement quoted him as saying.
According to him, curbing drug abuse, arms proliferation and the proper recognition of the Fulani herdsmen in the country as they contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation were also measures towards ending the security challenges.
“I believe that this situation can be addressed as long as certain measures are maintained”, he explained.
He urged the government to find a way of cushioning the effect of cattle rustling as it was being done to farmers who equally suffered natural disasters such as flooding.
“I am not saying that all their cattle should be replaced but these should be a platform to bounce back gradually over time”, he added.
