67 bandits surrender arms to Amnesty Programme

No fewer than 67 bandits have surrendered their arms in Isa Local Government of Sokoto State, according to its Chairman, retired Col.

Moyi told newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday that the arms were surrendered under an Amnesty Programme of the state government, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba.

Isa Local Government is close to Niger Republic and had witnessed many acts of brigandage and cattle rustling.

Moyi said ”55 of them surrendered their arms on April 14,2017, and were rewarded with cash, land plots to build houses and farmlands, to the tune of N30.5million.

” The remaining twelve surrendered their arms afterwards and we are expecting more of them to do so soon.

”Similar welfare packages are also being arranged for those who surrendered their arms subsequently.”

According to the chairman, the repentant bandits were each given a minimum of N100,000 and a maximum of N 500,000, for each gun.

Similarly, a N500 compensation was given for each bullet surrendered.

” No fewer than 290 ammunitions have been surrendered”, Moyi said.

Moyi also explained that each of the ex-bandits was additionally given an assistance of between N 100,000 to N 200,000, to restart life.

Moyi commended Gov. Aminu Tambuwal for initiating and effectively funding the amnesty programme.

” The programme has fully boosted peace and security in the area,as the repentant bandits were hitherto involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed robbery, among other crimes.

” They are now assisting the various security agencies with surveillance and intelligence gathering.

”The governor therefore deserves commendation, while restating our commitment to ensure the sustenance of peace and unity in the state and Nigeria in general,” Moyi said.