Barely weeks after a fragile peace pact between bandits and the Katsina State Government, the Chairman of Sabuwa Local Government Area, Engr. Sagir Tanimu, has drawn public attention by attending the wedding ceremony of children belonging to some of the notorious bandits operating in the state.
The event, which took place in Kadawan Dandume village, a settlement recently reconciled with authorities after years of violent conflict, was reportedly part of the state’s ongoing efforts to foster dialogue and rebuild trust with armed groups.
According to reports, the council chairman was accompanied by the representative of the Emirate, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello Kogo, who is also the Prince of Kogo Emirate, alongside the District Head of Sabuwa and other traditional figures.
POLITICS NIGERIA learned that meeting between local officials and Fulani residents deep inside the forest was meant to reinforce confidence-building measures after the recent peace agreement. However, critics have questioned the wisdom of such engagements, especially as the armed groups have yet to surrender their weapons or formally renounce violence.
A resident of Sabuwa, who spoke under condition of anonymity, expressed fear that attending such events without concrete disarmament “sends a wrong signal that government officials are legitimising their activities.”
The development comes as Katsina authorities intensify peace initiatives in other troubled areas of the state. Only days ago, government representatives and traditional rulers held another round of dialogue with bandits in Matazu Local Government Area, following a similar meeting in Faskari, where armed men openly attended with rifles slung across their shoulders.
While officials insist the peace efforts are aimed at reducing hostilities and creating pathways to stability, many locals remain sceptical, warning that reconciliation without accountability or disarmament could embolden criminal groups to continue their attacks under the guise of negotiation.
