Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State will today start a tour of councils in the state to interface with bandits terrorising the state, as part of efforts aimed at addressing insecurity in the state.
The meeting is aimed at convincing them to lay down their arms and embrace peace, with possible amnesty for those that would comply.
Masari is expected to travel to eight councils during which top bandits in those areas would meet with him, and possibly give their terms for cessation of hostilities.
The councils include Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, Sabuwa, Kankara, Safana, Faskari and Dandume. They are all close to the dreaded Rugu forest, which is called different names in parts of the state.
It was learnt that the governor would be visiting two councils per day.
The Federal Government has, however, restated its commitment to end banditry, kidnapping and related crimes in the country.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, stated this in Katsina yesterday when he visited the governor over the security situation in the state, and his scheduled meeting with the bandits.
Aregbesola said government would not rest on its oars but work assiduously to end the security challenge facing several states in the country.
He added that it would work with governors and critical stakeholders in the North West to bring lasting solution to insecurity in the area.
