Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army have issued a 48-hours ultimatum to unrepentant bandits in the state to release all those in captivity and accept peace or face another massive Army invasion to restore peace at all cost.
Speaking at the end of a close-door meeting with repentant bandits and representatives of recalcitrant ones, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mustapha Inuwa, while addressing newsmen on Tuesday said: “enough is enough.”
“We told them that this is almost the last peace meeting we will hold with them, either they accept peace or what we always try to avoid, the invasion of Army to ensure forceful acceptance will be effected.
“We equally told them that all those people in their custody around Jibia, Batsari and other places should be released by this Thursday or anything that will happen will happen.
“We will invoke the Army to ensure forceful restoration of peace with no mercy hence forth.The few that did not accept cannot be allowed to slow down the process,” he said.
Inuwa explained that “we appreciate the efforts and cooperation of those who accepted peace and are co-operating with government and security agencies in trying to achieve peace in some areas especially in the southern part of Katsina and some extent Danmusa, Safana, part of Batsari.”
“And also, the others who have not yet accepted peace, we told them enough is enough; they either embrace peace or face the consequences.
“And those people they have kidnapped with them, we told them point blank that they must release them under no condition, otherwise the Army will certainly do what is supposed to be done to not only rescue he those victims but secure the place,” he added.
He further said: “All what the government and security agencies are supposed to do have been done; they have given them all the opportunity to repent, accept peace and cooperate with government and security operatives so that peace can prevail in Katsina.
“So, enough is enough and this is the message we have delivered to them and quite a number of them who have accepted peace have been working very hard to ensure peace is sustained in this areas; they have appreciated the efforts of government, it’s patience and resilience so far.
“They still pleaded with the government and were asked to go back and talk to those we believed are becoming unnecessary difficult.
“Even today, we received one arm from the recalcitrant ones and those that refused to join especially those around Jibia and Batsari, and those entering Kurfi and Dutsinma and some parts of Matazu and Musawa. All have these two days to step aside or face the Army’s might.”
It could be recalled that last weekend, the Army carried out a massive raid of bandits’ enclaves that led to the death of many bandits and release of some captives.
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