In a recent interview on the Arise TV Morning Show, former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, highlighted the factors contributing to the low occurrence of banditry in the Southwest. Shittu attributed this trend to the region’s emphasis on education, suggesting that bandits are often individuals who rebel as a result of educational neglect.
According to Shittu, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, “The absence of widespread banditry in the southwest is a result of our commitment to educating our children.”
He further elaborated, stating, “When individuals are not provided with proper education, they may grow up feeling marginalized by social disparities, such as witnessing some people enjoying luxuries while they are left behind. This sense of injustice often leads to acts of rebellion against society.”
Shittu also drew attention to the root causes of banditry in the Northwest and Northeast regions, pointing out that it stems from a sense of neglect experienced by the less privileged.
Reflecting on the current situation, Shittu advocated for a shift towards non-kinetic approaches in addressing banditry, emphasizing the importance of providing bandits with viable alternatives and promising futures through negotiations.
He recommended that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu should consider engaging in dialogue with bandits, especially since many of them are capable individuals who could be integrated back into society.
By adopting a non-confrontational strategy, Shittu believes that significant progress can be made in combating banditry and addressing its underlying causes.