In continuation with the peace initiative started by the Katsina State government, Governor Aminu Bello Masari this Wednesday handed over eight suspected bandits to two of their leaders.
Addressing newsmen during the brief handing over, Alhaji Aminu Masari said the move was done as a process to restore peace in the Frontline local governments in the state.
He said the handover, which was started yesterday in the morning and the one done in the night was in continuation of the process started shortly after the visitation to the suspected hideout in the forest.
The Governor expressed optimism that the action would restore peace not only in katsina state but others bordering katsina including Maradi in Niger Republic.
Alhaji Aminu Masari explained that part of the discussion government is having with the suspected bandits is about exchange of those that are in detention that have not been convicted by any court of law.
He said government is not interfering with suspects that have already been convicted, adding that those released are being given on bail.
In return, Governor Aminu Masari explained that they would be receiving kidnapped people from the suspected bandits, stressing that yesterday night they were able to retrieve eleven females abducted, ten grown up and a child.
He said today Wednesday, eight suspected bandits, one of which is a woman are being exchange for the release of more kidnapped people.
The Governor said the process would continue until a certain level is reached, then government would take the peace initiative to the next level.
Hassan Muhammad Tukur
Government House Press Centre
Katsina
