Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Bandits in Katsina State Attribute Violence to Government Policies
During a recent peace dialogue held on Saturday, armed bandits from Katsina State openly acknowledged that their descent into criminal violence was influenced by government actions. The meeting convened community leaders, security personnel, and representatives of the bandit factions from Charanchi and Batagarawa local government areas, culminating in a signed agreement aimed at restoring peace to the region.
Confession and Call for Accountability
One of the bandit representatives addressed the local populace candidly, asserting that political motives had driven their involvement in violent activities. He stated, “The government initially encouraged us to engage in banditry, but now they have summoned us to cease these actions. By God’s grace, we have stopped as of today.”
He further criticized the authorities, claiming they possess the capacity to end the insecurity but lack the will to do so. “If the government truly desired peace, they have the means to achieve it – yet they choose not to,” he remarked.
Attempts at Dialogue Previously Ignored
The spokesperson revealed that the group had made multiple efforts over recent months to initiate peace talks, but these overtures were largely disregarded until the recent meeting. He emphasized that the government holds the decisive power to either sustain peace or perpetuate violence.
Addressing the citizens, he urged them to direct their frustrations not at the bandits but at the governing bodies responsible for the ongoing turmoil. “You have oppressed the people – if you wish to lament, do not weep for us, the so-called ‘terrorists,’ but for your government, which compelled us into these actions,” he said.
Context of the Katsina Peace Initiative
This dialogue is part of a broader series of grassroots peace efforts across northern Nigeria, where communities have been grappling with persistent violence that has resulted in thousands of fatalities and abductions over the years. The success of this agreement could serve as a benchmark for similar negotiations in the North West region.
Insights from Islamic Cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi
Adding to the discourse, Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi reiterated his defense of bandit groups, suggesting that many are motivated by vengeance rather than inherent cruelty. In a recent interview, Gumi highlighted that Fulani herdsmen and bandits have often been victims of systemic injustices.
Known for his controversial advocacy of dialogue with armed factions, Gumi described the bandits as being “on missions of revenge” rather than naturally violent aggressors. He referenced previous engagements where officials met with thousands of armed men in forest hideouts, many of whom voiced grievances about killings and discrimination.
While condemning the violence as “unjustifiable and wrong,” Gumi urged the government to prioritize negotiation, rehabilitation, and social cohesion over exclusive reliance on military interventions.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Peace in Katsina
The recent peace accord in Katsina represents a critical test for the effectiveness of local-level negotiations in resolving long-standing insecurity in Nigeria’s North West. With over 3,000 violent incidents reported in the region in the past year alone, according to the latest security reports, the stakes for lasting peace have never been higher.
As communities and authorities work together to implement the terms of the agreement, the hope remains that dialogue and mutual understanding will pave the way for sustainable security and development in Katsina and beyond.
