A member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Murtala Isa-Kankara, has urged people of his constituency to support the efforts of the Katsina State Government to dialogue with bandits attacking communities in the area.

The member, who represents Faskari/Sabuwa/Kankara Federal Constituency, made the appeal in an interview with journalists on Monday in Kankara.

He said that dialogue was necessary in ensuring lasting peace, adding that all people of goodwill must support the initiative to end the unnecessary killings and destruction of property.

According to him, the state government’s dialogue and amnesty committees have been successful in bringing about relative peace in the area.

He noted that the committees, set up at community levels have made positive impact towards ensuring peace across the constituency.

Armed Fulani-herdsmen

Isa-Kankara commended those that surrendered their weapons in the pursuit of peace and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their resolve, saying their action was in the best interest of everyone.

He advised people of Faskari, Sabuwa and Kankara local government areas, hitherto dislocated by cattle rustling and vandalism to return to farm.

“Peace and stability enjoyed in the areas at present should be complemented with increased investment in agriculture,” he said.

The lawmaker urged religious and traditional rulers to be vigilant and continue to support security agencies in the efforts to end all forms of criminality.

Isa-Kankara also urged residents to cooperate with community vigilance groups set up to compliment the efforts of security agencies in restoring lasting peace to the area

Newsmen recall that repentant cattle rustlers and vigilante members on January 15, 2017 surrendered 104 AK 47 rifles and other weapons to the state government at a ceremony in Kankara after intense dialogue for peace.