Education Is An Antidote To Banditry And Kidnappings: President Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu condemned the recent surge in bandit attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria, calling these acts disturbing, ungodly and sinister, and emphasized that education is the remedy to the country's ongoing challenges.

During a meeting with the delegation Jam'iyyatu Ansaridden, a respected Islamic Movement, at the state house in Abuja, Tinubu assured that security agencies are promptly addressing the challenge.

He also said the government will roll out policies and plans to educate Nigerian youths and noted that education will work as an antidote to deal with the surge in banditry and kidnappings in Nigeria.

"There is no weapon against poverty that is as potent as learning," the president said, as per the statement shared on the official X handle, formerly known as Twitter. "I can assure you that we are here to change the life of our people."

"We are here to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity. We are dedicated to building a lasting peace with a focus on the comprehensive education of our children. We will get our teachers and their owners involved in an education process that will be relevant to the future of this country. It is important," he added.

Tinubu further said that knowledge has helped him to get where he is alongside prayers and support of all Nigerians and emphasized that without knowledge there is no hope for mankind.

Tinubu also urged existing Islamic learning institutions in Northern Nigeria to share updated knowledge to the youth to accelerate development not only in the region but also in Nigeria and across the entire African continent.

"Please embark on special prayers. Embark on proper education for our youths. Kidnapping and banditry are not the way of God. Shedding each other's blood is bad. And there can be no development without peace," the president said.

"It is only in the area of peace that we can eliminate poverty. We must work for peace in order for our economy to grow better," he added.

Leader of Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Sheikh Muhammad Lamine Niass encouraged Tinubu to implement reform initiatives and said his movement would continue to pray for Nigeria's peaceful development.

Nigerians have been going through a difficult time as mass kidnappings and killings have become common in several states of the country. Last week, bandits killed 10 people including the traditional ruler Haruna Abale of Kukar Babangida community in Katsina State.