You Must Restore Peace In Your Domain, Buhari Charges North West Governors

President Muhammadu Buhari has mandated Northwest governors to end banditry in their region, Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu dropped the hint at the continuation of a Fulani Stakeholders’ Peace, Security and Unity meeting held in Birnin-Kebbi, the state capital.

He said the President’s directive was to ensure the urgent restoration of normalcy in the region.

Bagudu acknowledged the relentless efforts of the military and the other security agencies in tackling the nation’s security challenges.

He appealed to Nigerians to be less apprehensive in confronting the enemies of peace and unity, saying: “They are a negligible few and we should all brace the odds. The issue of ensuring security in the nation is a collective responsibility and as such all hands must be on deck in this direction.”

Bagudu reiterated that the rescue efforts of the abducted students and staff of the Federal Government College (FGC) Birnin Yauri.

The governor said: “We were not elected only to stay in the office, but to do anything to safeguard lives and property of all law abiding citizens.

“We have to do everything to guarantee peace, unity and security even to the extent of sacrificing our lives as ordained by religious scriptures.”

According to Bagudu, the Fulani stakeholders’ meeting was called to review the progress made in tackling the challenges with a view to proffering plausible solutions.

He said his government had set up a steering committee to look into the issues of grazing reserves, cattle routes, as well as resolve lingering contentious issues between farmers and herders as a path to achieving lasting peace and security.

Bagudu said: “Government is fully aware of issues raised, just as it has already started implementing some of the recommendations raised by the committee.

“No matter the efforts put in by the government, there has to be the understanding and acceptance of those concerned to have positive effect on their lives.”

He vowed that his administration would leave no stone unturned in protecting lives and property of all in the state.

Bagudu also vowed to sustain ongoing efforts by his administration to improve the lives of Fulanis through livestock and dairy production, Fulani women empowerment as well as enhance other forms of farming activities.

Secretary-General of the committee set up by government on Fulani matters, Alhaji Abubakar Bandam, said the meeting was part of ongoing efforts by Miyetti Allah to support the governor’s efforts at tackling insecurity

Bandam said: “The meeting is geared towards joining hands with Fulani elite from all spheres of life and other stakeholders to rescue Kebbi and to support ongoing peace efforts by Governor Bagudu to bring an end to banditry.

“That is why he chose former Governor Saidu Dakingari to spearhead the steering committee, to champion, among other things, provision of basic social amenities to better the lives of Fulani.”

The Nation