The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, while speaking at the meeting, said bandits had become bolder and audacious to the extent that they now attack military tanks and ambushed security agents on patrol.

El-Rufai, whose state had suffered recurrent banditry attacks said only Nigerians who were ill-informed would assume that nothing was being done to stop the killings in the region.

Also speaking, the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari said in the North West, governors had been trying to address the issue of cattle rustling, which later developed into banditry, kidnapping, arson and then rape.

Masari said urged everyone to return to their communities and build community relations.

Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Lalong said: “We have different religions and different ethnicities but when we are talking about peace, we have only one religion and we worship one God and that is why I lend my voice to those who are preaching peace irrespective of tribal and religious limits.”