Sokoto Gov defended dialogue with a converted bandit

The Governor of the State of Sokoto Ahmed Aliyu has maintained the involvement of his government with a converted bandit, describing it as a strategic and human response to bloodshed and transfer throughout the most vulnerable state community.

In a statement issued Friday by the Governor’s special advisory regarding security issues, Colonel Ahmed Usman (RTD.), The government clarified that the ongoing dialogue with armed groups is not a sign of weakness but efforts that are calculated to break the cycle of violence that has killed thousands of people, displaced, or living in fear.

“Our meeting with bandits is for original reconciliation,” Usman said. “This is a strategic decision that aims to restore peace and rebuild a community destroyed by an armed attack for years.”

The statement was a response to the criticism of Basharu Sios, a leading new social media commentator questioned the offer of state peace. Usman noted the irony in the objection of the wisdom, showing that he had previously volunteers to mediate between the government and armed groups.

“This contradiction is very unfortunate,” Usman said. “Our approach is always consistent: to restore peace, we must use all the available tools, military strength, community involvement, and if appropriate, dialogue with those who are willing to leave violence.”

The Sokoto state has been struggling for years of violence from armed groups operating in rural areas, especially in Rabah, Goronyo, Isa, Sabon Birni, and other regional government regions that were devastated. Violence has killed hundreds of people who died and forced their families to escape from their homes, reverse agriculture, destroy the market, and plunge villages that had developed to be silent and fear.

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“Our people live with the trauma of daily transfer,” said Usman. “Farmers have left their fields, food production has collapsed, and economic life has been paralyzed. You can see it with an increase in food prices, you can feel it in their despair.”

According to the Governor’s Security Advisor, only people who show a sincere commitment to peace, and who agree to undergo structured rehabilitation and monitoring, will be considered for dialogue. A broader security strategy, he stressed, still includes the spread of security forces in an easily changing area.

“This is not a difference,” Usman said. “This is a human centered approach for peace and development. The state will continue to pursue criminals who reject peace, while also opening the door for those who really try to rebuild.”

The Sokoto state government approach reflects similar efforts in other regions covered by conflicts in North Nigeria, where the authorities are experimenting by combining military actions and peace development to overcome insecurity. But critics remain skeptical, warning that such negotiations are at risk of legitimizing crime if not treated with transparency and firmness.

However, the government of Governor Aliyu stressed that betting, life, livelihoods, and traumatized community dignity, demanded an inclusive approach.

“Our goal is not only peace on paper, but the peace that people can live, farm, trade, and sleep,” Usman said. “That is the actual measure of security.”