More Katsina LGs negotiate with bandits

Communities in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday negotiated a peace deal with bandits, making it a third LGA in the state to have reached a peace deal. It could be recalled that on Friday, February 28, there was a peace deal with some bandits’ kingpins in Jibia Local Government Area of […]

Communities in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday negotiated a peace deal with bandits, making it a third LGA in the state to have reached a peace deal.

It could be recalled that on Friday, February 28, there was a peace deal with some bandits’ kingpins in Jibia Local Government Area of the state.

That followed two previous peace negotiations, involving Batsari Local Government Area and a section of Safana Local Government Area of the state.

Like in the previous deals, military leadership, representative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Police, Community Watch Corps, vigilantes, traditional authorities and local government officials were seen in attendance.

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In all the peace agreements reached, the basic terms were unconditional release of captives, renunciation of attacks and other criminal activities on the part of the bandits, while they get unfettered access to communities, particularly markets without any harm for them and their families.

Reports from the previously truce have shown a remarkably positive development as residents said they have enjoyed peace for at least four months consecutively.

In Jibia, for instance, it was one Audu Lanai, the kingpin in this area, that called for the peace negotiation, saying he was tired of the continuous unrest and uncertainty on both sides.

He contacted one of the community leaders. After some talks, they agreed to meet that particular Friday and agreed that it should be a kind of trial which would continue after Ramadan Sallah if all sides respect the terms of the deal. That peace deal still remains intact.

Also in attendance were traditional rulers and religious leaders from the area.

During the occasion, the repentant bandits declared their renunciation of violence and criminal activity, as they assured the gathering of their commitment to peace, stating that they will no longer engage in banditry.

Prominent figures among them include Adamu Aliero, Manore and Kamilu Buzaro among others.

Shortly after the agreement reached, the repentant bandits were seen, jubilating on motorcycles within Danmusa town, saying “Peace only, peace only” as residents watch in admiration.

A resident of the area who expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached said, “Indeed, for many years, our people have not been able to go to farm. The cost of living has increased. They (bandits) have prevented markets from opening. People who have the means have left our towns and villages and gone to safer places. So, there are no buyers for the small business owners.

“You need to go to these towns and villages to see how people have become,” he added.

He said government is always promising peace while little effort is being made to achieve that.

“The soldiers in Danmusa are always in town. When we talk to them, they say they were not given the order. Even the state-owned security outfit, the community watch corps do better.

“So, we were somewhat caught in the middle. But what we do here now is that the reconciliation will take place in all the frontline local governments that are suffering from insecurity,” he said, adding that it is obvious now that the bandits are also tired, as they are asking for dialogue, peace and normalcy.

At the Danmusa truce, reliable sources said five guns including two AK-47s, one G3, one pumping machine rifle, one PKT gun, and two AK-47 magazines were handed over government officials. 10 bandits’ leaders terrorising Katsina State, it was gathered, also surrendered to government officials on Saturday during the peace deal.

Also, the bandits were said to have released 16 kidnapped victims including a 7-month pregnant woman during the agreement.

However, a reliable source privy to the happenings in the security circle said the development was part of the ongoing arms surrender and disengagement initiative by the leadership of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with some critical stakeholders.

A notorious kingpin, Adamu Alero, in his remarks during the agreement, said even their parents detested what was happening as some have sent their children out of home, but many factors were responsible for their actions and inactions.

He begged government to provide social amenities, particularly schools where their children will be educated for a better society.

He also pleaded with all concerned, particularly the federal government, to rescind its decision to label them as terrorists, which he said has a serious negative implication as they reintegrate into the society.

“I want to also advise the public that we should shun victimization and name calling when mingling with us as that will not help matters.

 

Katsina to offer literacy classes for repentant bandits

There are reports that the Katsina State Agency for Mass Education has concluded plans to commence literacy classes for the repentant bandits as part of efforts to reintegrate them into society.

Speaking with some journalists on Saturday in Katsina, the Executive Director of the agency, Bilkisu Muhammad, said the state was ready to deploy facilitators to run the classes.

According to the director, both Islamic and Western education will be taught in the programme to reshape the behaviour and lifestyle of the former bandits.

“We will liaise with local government chairmen to open the classes in phases. The core subjects will focus on Islamic and Western education,” Miss Muhammad said.

She appealed to the National Assembly members to dedicate a percentage of their constituency allowances to support the running of adult education classes in their areas in order to wipe out illiteracy.

 

We don’t negotiate with bandits- Katsina govt insists

Speaking to journalists on Monday in Katsina, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, reiterated the government’s position of not negotiating with bandits, but willing to accept their surrender.

“We all know that Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda made promises that security is going to be his top priority and he has effectively demonstrated his resolve and his promise that he is going to deal with the issue of insecurity.

“We have been having fights with the bandits for more than two years now and Allah in His infinite mercy is allowing us to record success in our operations and the governor’s position is very clear that the government of Katsina State will not negotiate with bandits but if the bandits feel the needs to drop their arms and come forward, government is ready to give them the opportunity to become like any other normal citizens of the State,” he said.

He added that, “We are very lucky that bandits in Jibia and Batsari local government areas have come forward through their messengers and initiated a discussion with leadership of their communities and praise be to God, the discussions were robust and we are having very peaceful activities in both Jibia and Batsari local government areas.

“Let me make it crystal clear that Katsina State government still stands with in its position that, we are not negotiating with the bandits but as responsible leaders, if these people decide to lay down their arms, we will give them the opportunity to be responsible citizens in the State.

“I want to also make it clear that in local government areas like Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume and Safana, we will continue to have our own operations and the same uninterrupted attacks on the bandits if that is what they want, we will continue to give them but for those local government areas that have sat down with the bandits and arrived at a reasonable position, we will give them opportunity to continue with their normal activities.

“But, let me also make it clear that in case they renege from their promises, we are going to deal with them as we used to. That is the position of the government.”