Repentant bandits in Nigeria’s north-western state of Zamfara are being supplied two cows for each AK-47 they give up.
It is an attempt to encourage them to surrender a life of crime and live a normal life as responsible citizens, Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle says.
Motorcycle-riding armed bandits working out of deserted forest reserves are ransacking communities in Zamfara and close by Katsina and Sokoto states.
They usually loot shops, steal cattle and grain, and take people hostage for ransom.
In a current assault in Zamfara state, 21 people killed in Talata Mafara town by armed bandits.
Most individuals are into agriculture in Zamfara state, where the motto is “farming is our pride”.
“These bandits who choose to repent initially sold their cows to buy guns and now that they want a life free of criminality we’re asking them to bring us an AK-47 and get two cows in return, this will empower and encourage them,” Mr Matawalle stated in an announcement.
