Local communities in Katsina State have reportedly entered into negotiations with armed groups, raising fears of a repeat of a sequence whereby the collapse of peace agreements led to renewed violence.
On Sunday, communities in Faskari Local Government Area, one of the worst-hit councils in Katsina State, opened talks with the bandits.
Among the bandits at the event was the notorious Alero, who spoke on behalf of several armed groups. He said the initiative was “not the first of its kind’”but the turnout Was unpecedented. Also present was Kwashé Garwa, whose name is 19 on Nigeria’s most-wanted terrorists list. Videos shared on multiple local media show Mr Garwa, with ammunition strapped around his waist, condemning the stereotyping of Fulani herders as criminals. Nigeria, whenever there is a discussion, they call Fulani herders bandits and terrorists. But tell me, which tribe in the world does not have criminals among them?” Mr Garwa said, addressing the gathering in Hausa. “You Hausas, who say we are bandits, don’t you also have bandits among you?
