A group, the League of Northern Democrats, LND, has said negotiating with bandits can only be meaningful if tied to verifiable disarmament and real de-escalation thresholds in such a way as to protect citizens and restore order.
It has therefore warned against growing calls by individuals and groups for negotiations with bandits operating in Northern Nigeria.
It has also challenged Northern governors to take rise to the challenge and live up to their responsibility of securing their states.
This was part of resolutions taken after a meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday
The league’s resolution was signed by Mohmood Tunde Hassan, the Assistant National Publicity Secretary.
It read in part, “While all legitimate measures to end insecurity are welcome, giving criminals a free pass in the name of dialogue is unacceptable and amounts to legitimising terror.
“True peace processes require military-secured areas, enforced ceasefires, neutral weapon-free venues, third-party verification of disarmament, and strict civilian protection.
“The Katsina episode ignored these fundamentals and undermined both security and accountability.
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“Dialogue only has meaning if tied to verifiable disarmament and real de-escalation to protect citizens and restore order
“Northern Governors must assume responsibility for securing their states. Excuses of structural constraints are hollow—no law prevents them from protecting their people.”
LND appealed to stakeholders to rededicate themselves to repositioning the North within the Nigerian mainstream by tackling the existential challenges holding the nation down.
