8 kidnap victims, 500 cattle released as 200 bandits repent in Sokoto -

The Sokoto State Government says its ongoing negotiations with bandits have paid off with 200 of them repenting in the Eastern part of the state.

Commissioner for Career and Security Matters, Colonel Garba Moyi (rtd) disclosed this in a news briefing on Tuesday, noting that the repentant bandits have released eight kidnap victims and 500 rustled cattle in their custody.

The commissioner disclosed that the bandits also submitted their weapons.

Moyi explained that the terms of the deal included an agreement that the repentant bandits would not kidnap anybody, while the security agencies would not arrest any of their members unless if caught with weapons or any incriminating items.

He further told journalists that the Aminu Tambuwal administration has awarded a contract for the construction of a dam at Kamarawa as attacks ceased following the deal reached with the bandits.

According to him, the construction would have commenced earlier but was delayed due to renewed attacks and flooding in the area.

The commissioner noted that the state government was planning to build grazing reserves and schools for their children.