67 bandits surrender arms for cash in Sokoto

At least 67 bandits have surrendered their arms in Isa local government area of Sokoto under the state government’s amnesty programme.

This was disclosed by Garba Moyi, the local government chairman, on Sunday.

He said the amnesty programme is headed by Bashir Garba, the secretary to the state government.

According to NAN, the “repentant” bandits were rewarded with cash and other gift items.

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

“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 N30.5m,” Moyi said.

“The repentant bandits were each given a minimum of N100,000 and a maximum of N500,000 for each gun. Each of the ex-bandits was additionally given an assistance of between N 100,000 to N500,000 to restart life.

“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.

“A N500 compensation was given for each bullet surrendered. No fewer than 290 ammunitions have been surrendered.”

Moyi also said the surrendered arms included AK 47, pistols and submachine guns, among others.

He commended Aminu Tambuwal, the governor of the state, 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,” he added.