25th January, 2011
No fewer than 100 suspected political thugs on Monday in Bauchi surrendered their weapons and promised to turn a new leaf , the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
NAN also reports that the youth gathered at Mallam Goje Enclave in Bauchi Metropolis to surrender their weapons and promised to shun political violence. The youth confessed to previous crimes, which they committed, at the forum organised by one Alhaji Uba Boris and attended by Hajiya Hawa Yuguda, Wife of the State Governor.
Boris said most of the youth indulged in political violence locally known as “sara suka†(a group that specialises in killing people along the north-eastern part of the country).
He attributed their renouncing of violence to efforts made by the government to empower youths. Boris said clashes between political thugs on the streets and wards within the metropolis had reduced drastically.
He thanked the government for initiating programmes aimed at addressing idleness and unemployment among women and youths.
“We are assuring you that the youth will not carry weapons during the forthcoming elections,†Boris said. He urged the government to set up skills acquisition centres where youths and women would be trained.
Responding, Yuguda re-stated her commitment to assist youths to realise their potential.
She advised them to shun prohibited drugs and other vices that can lure them into societal vices.
Yuguda, the Founder of Challenge Your Disability Initiative (CYDI), urged the youth to be vanguard of positive change rather than being a problem to the society.
She also urged them to ensure that they participated in the ongoing voter registration to enable them to vote in the forthcoming general elections.
“By the grace of God, I am going to start assisting you immediately. I will talk to my husband; we will start doing it gradually,†Yuguda said.
