Bandits are our children, says Governor Umahi

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has declared his intention to negotiate with bandits to ascertain their grievances and the way forward.

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Mr Umahi made the declaration on Friday in Abakaliki at the presentation of 40 Toyota Sienna vehicles and 20 Hilux vans to security agencies for enhanced operations in the state.

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The governor directed local government chairmen and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to identify the bandits and present them for debriefing.

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“I want to talk to the bandits and empower them as we cannot continue to kill ourselves and destroy public infrastructure.

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“The bandits are our children and I am pained when they or the security agencies are killed.

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“I want to ascertain their grievances against Ebonyi or the federal government, and collate the facts for discussions to commence,” he said.