The Federal Government has hinted that it would engage decisive military force to deal with the mercenaries behind the killings in some parts of the country.
According to Presidency source who spoke on condition of anonymity, “The role of bandits and suspected mercenaries in what has become known as herdsmen/farmer clashes and violence have provoked the need for a fresh approach to dealing with the crisis’’.
The source further revealed that the new position was one of the outcomes of the Working Group formed some weeks ago by the National Economic Council with nine Governors, and chaired by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.
He added, “The settled view in official circles is that the reported killings and violence recorded are the work of bandits and mercenaries since in many cases the herdsmen are often well-known in the communities where their cattle normally graze.”
.According to the Kano State Governor Dr. Ganguje who read out highlights and decisions of the NEC to reporters alongside his Ebonyi counterpart after the Council meeting “will work in accordance with the President’s commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of violence are brought to book.”
The highlights also noted that the Working Group which consists of Governors from Zamfara, Kaduna, Adamawa, Benue, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Ebonyi & Oyo States actually commenced its work with a meeting presided over by the VP right immediately after NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa.
The source disclosed that at the end of the Working Group meeting last week, it was clear a major turning point had been reached in the management of the crisis and sufficient consensus recorded on the need to stop the impunity by engaging the military in a more decisive manner.
Some political analyst had indicated that the crisis also required a political solution considering the religious and ethnic tones that could be worsened if proper and timely care is not taken.
