Peace Pacts Empower Bandits, Not Victims — Atiku Slams Govt Strategy

 

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has faulted the growing reliance of governments on peace deals with bandits, warning that such arrangements often embolden criminals while leaving victims abandoned.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, said experience has shown that bandits routinely exploit negotiations, renege on agreements and return to violence with greater audacity.

He criticised what he described as a disturbing trend of governors “begging bandits on their knees” under the guise of peace-building, arguing that such an approach weakens deterrence and erodes state authority.

According to him, while dialogue can be a legitimate conflict-resolution tool, it becomes counterproductive when criminals dictate the terms and face no consequences for violations.

“Those peace deals always favour the bandits more than their victims, and they have repeatedly fooled government negotiators,” Atiku said.

The former vice-president warned that security cannot be achieved through reactive governance, stressing that authorities must act proactively rather than waiting for attacks before responding.

“Nigerians are no longer impressed by the powerful language of condemnation. They want results, not rhetoric. If rhetoric alone could deter bandits, this crisis would have ended long ago,” he added.

Some state governments, including Katsina, have pursued negotiations with armed groups in a bid to curb attacks and abductions. Reports indicate that the Katsina State Government is facilitating the release of about 70 suspected bandits in custody, a move it says is aimed at consolidating community-based peace accords with so-called “repentant bandits” across several local government areas.

However, Atiku, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisted that the President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration must be held accountable for its campaign promises to decisively end insecurity.

He noted that as a former opposition party, the APC held previous governments to “harsh and unforgiving standards” and therefore must not be shielded from similar scrutiny now that it is in power.

“Nigerians cannot be comforted by excuses. The Tinubu administration must be judged by the same standards the APC once demanded,” he said.

Atiku also condemned the recent abduction of over 100 residents in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing it as further evidence of the growing boldness of criminal gangs.

He expressed concern that despite claims of success from some states engaged in peace deals, bandits continue to attack communities and take hostages without resistance.

“It is colossally embarrassing to see non-state actors holding the country hostage, attacking communities and abducting citizens again and again without being challenged,” he said.