Kachalla Ummaru, a “notorious bandit kingpin”, has warned law enforcement against a kinetic approach to tackling insecurity.
Ummaru spoke on Saturday, during peace talks between bandit groups and community leaders, in Matazu LGA of Katsina.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, shared a clip of Ummaru saying killing bandits only makes matters worse.
“If today you kill 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20… you kill 20, another 30 will rise both in our bushes and villages,” he said.
“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.
“If our boys mistakenly abduct anyone or if security operatives apprehend one of ours, stakeholders should be involved and see that the person taken is released.
“Let’s tell ourselves the truth — if we know these talks won’t foster any peace between us, then it would be best if things remain the way they are.
“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, and 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.”
Speaking to the divisional police officer (DPO) of Danmusa LGA, Ummaru harped on respecting terms of agreement.
“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,” he added.
“Anything you request from us (bandits) we see to it that it is done. This is just the truth of the matter.
“It would be shameful if you come to us for something and we don’t do it for you 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 was convened to foster peace and reconciliation in the state.
It follows renewed efforts by stakeholders to end banditry in Katsina and neighbouring states.
Community elders at the dialogue urged the bandits and security agencies to commit to genuine peace for the safety of residents.
On Wednesday, the bandits released 28 abductees in Faskari LGA of Katsina following a peace deal.
The action was part of reconciliation efforts spearheaded by local authorities to reduce violent attacks in the area.
