A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ummaru, has cautioned security agencies and the government against relying solely on force in tackling insecurity, warning that killings only escalate the crisis.
Naijaonpoint reports that Ummaru spoke on Saturday during peace talks between bandit groups and community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
In a video shared by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, Ummaru said, “If today you kill 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20… you kill 20, another 30 will rise both in our bushes and villages.
“Truth be told, the government doesn’t care about anyone, all it’s after is how to generate money. If the government cared about the people, all these things won’t be happening.”
The bandit leader accused locals of complicity, alleging that residents often report them to security operatives.
“You people (residents of Matazu LGA) are also part of the problem because you are fond of complaining to security operatives and giving them information.
“Even when they come to where we are, they don’t kill even a bird, but you’ll hear in the news that 10 bandits have been killed and they’ll be paid.
“If these security operatives won’t be told to leave us alone then I don’t think these peace talks have any importance,” Ummaru said.
Speaking directly to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Danmusa LGA, Ummaru stressed the need for mutual respect in the peace process.
He said, “To you the DPO of Danmusa LGA, if you want these our peace talks to yield anything tangible, then every favour we seek should be considered and done for us and from your end.
“Anything you request from us (bandits) we see to it that it is done. It would be shameful if you come to us for something and we don’t do it, and the same thing goes for you… it would be shameful if we come to you for something and you don’t do it for us.
“Let us help one another and live in peace and I pray all that we have discussed is something that will be of benefit to us all.”
The meeting formed part of ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at ending banditry in Katsina and neighbouring states.
Community elders present urged both security agencies and the bandits to commit to genuine peace for the safety of residents.
Just days earlier, 28 abductees were released in Faskari LGA of Katsina after a peace deal spearheaded by local authorities.
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