.Sheikh Gumi distributes Islamic books to them
By Ummi Ismaeel, Minna
Niger State government Friday appealed to the bandits, who abducted Kagara Science College staff, students and others, to lay their down their arms and embrace dialogue in adressing their grievances.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, made the appeal, while adressing the armed bandits and their commanders at Dutsen Magaji forest in Mariga Local Givernment Council.
He said that it was only when the bandits lay down their arms for dialogue that reconciliation, peace and security could be achieved for all in the state.
The SSG, accompanied by Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, said that in furtherance to peaceful dialogue, commanders of the bandits should support government’s efforts by releasing the abducted passengers of the Niger State Transport Authority (NSTA) and students of the Government Science College (GSC), Kagara.
Matane, who lamented the ‘‘very unfortunate’’ incidents in the past few days whereby almost 100 persons were kidnapped by the bandits, called for sober reflection on the true motives behind their actions.
He appealed to other criminals including kidnappers and cattle rustlers to have a change of heart and join in the peace dialogue to end the insecurity in Niger State.
He specifically pleaded with the Commanders of the armed bandits operating in the state to support government by ensuring immediate release of the abducted passengers and the GSC, Kagara students.
Government, he said would continue to ensure the security of lives and properties through strengthening the security architecture of the state, hence the need for people to collaborate with the administration in its determination to end all form of criminalities.
Matane in a statement signed by, Lawal Tanko, Information Officer SSG’s Office also stressed the need for religious leaders and other key stakeholders to support the state government in getting the armed bandits, kidnappers, and cattle rustlers to key into the peace initiatives of the government.
Also, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi expressed optimism that with his intervention and dialoguing with the armed bandits that there was hope for peaceful resolution and release of the abducted passengers and students of GSC, Kagara and as well ending the current insecurity in the state.
Sheikh Gumi reminded that armed bandits on the position of their activities from the Islamic perspectives, specifically challenging them that Islamic religion was against taking the lives of innocent people and therefore appealed to them to embrace peace by laying down their arms.
He assured the armed bandits of his preparedness to continue to discuss with the Niger state government about their demands with the intent of exploring whatever legitimate assistance and support for them to start life afresh.
Some of the Commanders in their separate comments applauded Niger state government’s peace initiatives and appealed to the state government to assist the release of some of their members arrested and detained by security agencies across the state for the peace to thrive.
Highlight of the occasion includes the distribution of Islamic text books to the armed bandits and their commanders by the Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, to teach them the doctrine of Islam.
