Notorious bandit leader Kachalla Ummaru warned security forces that military offensives would worsen violence in Katsina, as peace talks with local leaders expanded across the state.
KATSINA — A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ummaru, has cautioned security operatives that adopting a purely military approach to insecurity in Katsina State would deepen the crisis, warning, “if you kill 10 of us today, 20 more will emerge tomorrow.”
Ummaru spoke at the weekend during a peace meeting between armed groups and community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area, in remarks captured on video and published by Zagazola Makama.
He accused government officials of neglecting citizens and criticised residents for tipping off security forces. “If these security operatives won’t be told to leave us alone then I don’t think these peace talks have any importance,” he said.
The meeting coincided with broader peace efforts, as Sabuwa and Dandume LGAs entered accords with bandit groups to halt years of killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling.
With the latest agreements, nine Katsina LGAs have now signed peace pacts, with bandits promising to release abductees in exchange for detained members’ freedom and market access.