Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi has expressed willingness to dialogue with bandits to determine their grouses and find sustainable solutions to the current security threats in the state.
The governor made this known while presenting 40 Toyota Sienna vehicles and 20 Hilux vans to security apparatus for improved operations in Ebonyi State.
There has been an increase in gunmen attacks in the state and heightened tension between herders and their host communities in the state.
Security facilities have also been invaded by gunmen in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Umahi expressed his readiness to dialogue with the bandits to determine their grouses and the solutions.
He also directed local government chairmen and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to identify the gunmen and present them for debriefing.
He said, “I want to talk to the bandits and empower them as we cannot continue to kill ourselves and destroy public infrastructure.”
“The bandits are our children, and I am pained when they or the security agencies are killed.
“I want to ascertain their grievances against the Ebonyi or federal government, collate the facts for discussions to commence.”
The governor expressed disappointment over the announcement of guidelines for the 2023 elections, noting that the nation was at a crossroad for such engagement.
“Let us forget about the 2023 elections with the leaders taking responsibility for the situation and discussing a way forward.
“No one takes money to the grave and when we hear a gunshot, we will run and abandon the money we acquired.”