Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, has offered a thought-provoking perspective on the root causes of banditry, characterizing it as a manifestation of societal neglect of the impoverished populace in Northern Nigeria.
In an illuminating interview on Arise Television, Shittu articulated his views on the underlying dynamics fueling the surge of banditry in the Northwest and Northeast regions.
He pointedly attributed the phenomenon to a profound sense of disenfranchisement and marginalization experienced by the economically disadvantaged segments of society.
“What is happening in the Northwest and Northeast in particular is a rebellion against the neglect of the poor,” Shittu asserted, shedding light on the complex interplay of socio-economic factors at play.
Drawing a stark contrast with the relative absence of banditry in the Southwest, Shittu underscored the pivotal role of education in mitigating social unrest.
He posited that the prevalence of educational opportunities in the Southwest has served as a bulwark against the emergence of banditry, highlighting the transformative power of education in fostering social cohesion and economic empowerment.
Shittu’s commentary delves into the systemic disparities that underpin the phenomenon of banditry, emphasizing the corrosive effects of entrenched inequality and deprivation.
He compellingly argued that failure to address these structural inequities not only perpetuates cycles of violence but also undermines the fabric of society itself.
Furthermore, Shittu advocated for a nuanced, non-kinetic approach to addressing the scourge of banditry, proposing dialogue and engagement as viable alternatives to heavy-handed tactics.
He emphasized the imperative of offering disaffected individuals a pathway to a promising future, eschewing punitive measures in favor of constructive interventions aimed at addressing the underlying grievances driving their actions.
This commentary comes in the wake of Shittu’s earlier counsel to the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, urging a reevaluation of its approach to combating banditry.
His call for a shift towards dialogue and rehabilitation underscores the need for a holistic, multifaceted strategy that addresses the root causes of insecurity while promoting social cohesion and inclusivity.
As Nigeria grapples with the multifarious challenges posed by banditry, Shittu’s insights serve as a timely reminder of the imperative to confront systemic inequalities and foster an environment of opportunity and empowerment for all citizens.
Only through concerted efforts to address the underlying socio-economic grievances can the nation hope to achieve lasting peace and prosperity for its people.
