Vice-Chancellor of Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State, Prof. Mohammed Kyari, has blamed the government for the rise in activities of terrorist and bandits.

Speaking at the 13th convocation of the Adamawa State University, Mubi, Kyari said that the government fuelled insurgency by paying ransom for the release of abducted school children.

In his convocation lecture titled, ‘Dialogue with the deaf: Education and insurgency’, Kyari stated that the government betrayed its policy of no dialogue with terrorists by going through back channels to negotiate with insurgents.

The Punch quoted Kyari as saying, “The government of Nigeria has been dialoguing with Boko Haram. No matter what claims the country is making, it cannot deny not talking to the insurgents through back channels. This is what has led to the release of some of the Chibok and Dapchi, girls.

“One of the reasons why Boko Haram and bandits have continued to attack schools is because of payment of ransoms. A lot of money has been exchanging hands, with Boko Haram, terrorists at the receiving end.

“Unfortunately, anytime there’s abduction, something happens, even though the government says it has a policy not to negotiate with terrorists.”