Abubakar Bello, Governor of Niger State, has revealed that some repentant bandits deceive the government, alleging that they’ve repented, only to collect money from the government to purchase more weapons for their operation.
Bello made this assertion after meeting with the vigilante group at Mariga Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday.
However, the Governor said any bandits who give up their old ways would be means of livelihood without financial aid.
Bello asserts: “I am here to thank the vigilantes, boost their morale, and to offer more support from the state government so that they can continue to support the police and other security agencies in the fight against bandits and other criminal elements.
“Any bandit that surrenders his weapons and repents from his heinous way of living would be forgiven and provided with a means of livelihood which would not necessarily include any cash backing.
“From experience, it has been discovered that the repentant bandits, after collecting cash from the dialogue option, will purchase more weapons and return to their old ways of banditry.”
Niger State is one of the most terrorized Northern states by bandits.
Just three days ago, armed bandits had abducted about 49 people in Rafi and Wushishi Local Governments Areas of the state.
About three days ago, bandits kidnapped about 49 people in Rafi and Wushishi Local Governments Area of Niger State.
