“Kill 10 of us, 20 Will Rise”: Bandit leader warns authorities 

He blamed the government for failing to address the root causes of the conflict, claiming that authorities prioritize financial gain over public welfare. “If the government truly cared, all these things wouldn’t be happening,” he stated.

Ummaru also called for mutual respect in the ongoing peace process. He criticized local residents for allegedly leaking information to security operatives and accused security agencies of exaggerating their success. “You’ll hear in the news that 10 bandits have been killed, but not even a bird was touched,” he claimed.

Addressing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Danmusa LGA, Ummaru stressed the need for cooperation. “If you ask something of us, we make it happen. We expect the same when we make our own requests,” he said. “Let us help one another and live in peace.”

The meeting was part of a broader peace initiative across Katsina State. In a parallel dialogue held in the border community of Kabalawa Dungun-Muazu, Sabuwa LGA, bandit groups reached similar agreements with local leaders from Sabuwa and Dandume LGAs. With this, peace deals have now been struck in nine LGAs, including Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, Musawa, Danmusa, Jibia, Faskari, Sabuwa, and Dandume.

As part of the new accords, bandits pledged to release kidnapped victims and cease attacks. In return, they requested the release of detained members and assurances of safety during visits to local markets. Authorities also promised to reopen the Dandume cattle market, previously closed due to security concerns.

Despite growing skepticism about the effectiveness of such peace deals, local leaders are hopeful that dialogue can stem the tide of violence and build trust between communities and armed factions.