Sani Yerima asks Tinubu to dialogue with bandits
A former Zamfara Governor, Sani Yerima, says though some bandits terrorising Nigeria are foreigners, President Bola Tinubu should dialogue with them as late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua dialogued with Niger Delta militants.
Mr Yerima, who introduced Sharia law in Zamfara in 1999, made this call in an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday.
“I’m advising the government to, first of all, find time to sit with these bandits, just like they sat with Niger Delta militants in the past. Because a majority of them are Nigerians, even though there are some foreigners among them,” Mr Yerima said.
“But Nigerians among them can be convinced, as the Niger Delta militants were convinced and empowered to stop.”
Mr Yerima added, “if that fails, then the government can use force on them wherever they are.”
Mr Yerima’s advocacy for bandit gangs who have killed many and kidnapped citizens for ransom across the country comes 23 years after he introduced sharia law in Zamfara State.
Under Mr Yerima’s administration in 2000, Bello Buba Jangebe was amputated for stealing a cow following a Zamfara Sharia Court ruling. Similarly, in 2001, Lawali Isa, who stole a bicycle, had his wrist cut.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 5
Commonwealth Games: Nigeria wins silver in men’s 4x100m, Usoro claims long jump silver
Team Nigeria concluded day nine of the 2026 Commonwealth Games with one gold, two silver medals and one bronze medal.
States
Soludo’s wife advocates healthy lifestyles to reduce lung cancer
The governor’s wife called on Nigerians to prioritise early detection of lung cancer and adopt healthy lifestyles.
Heading 1
2027: INEC publishes Tinubu, Atiku, Obi’s credentials
The documents, displayed in Form EC9 at INEC offices nationwide, contained the candidates’ educational qualifications, work history, and affidavits, among others.
NationWide
Afrobeats can drive campaigns against drug abuse, human trafficking, says Marwa
Mr Marwa said Afrobeats, as a globally recognised music genre embraced by young people, possesses enormous potential to influence positive behaviour.
Africa
U.S. reaffirms recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara
Mr Trump said Washington remained firm in its position on the disputed territory.
Africa
WHO reports largest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo
The WHO said the outbreak had spread to five provinces, affecting 49 health zones, with sustained transmission, rising infections and increasing deaths reported nationwide.
