Katsina bandits to end attacks for members’ release

FOURTEEN groups of bandits in Faskari and Kankara Local Government Areas of Katsina State on Thursday offered to swap the victims in their custody in exchange for their members arrested by security operatives during attacks.

A leader of one of the gangs, identified simply as Alhaji Mansuni, spoke on behalf of the others.

- Join our Telegram Community -

Mansuni spoke with Governor Aminu Bello Masari on Thursday on the second day of their dialogue meeting at Angwa Tsamia Primary School, Birni Gogo in Faskari Local Government Area.

The repentant bandit leader said the groups were pleased with the governor’s moves to ensure peaceful coexistence among residents of the state and others.

He urged the government to free fellow bandits and their kinsmen who were in the custody of security operatives.

- Advertisement -

Mansuni promised to release about 1,000 victims in the custody of the armed gangs and ensure other groups comply.

The repentant bandit also told the governor that the fear of insecurity, deprivation, indiscriminate arrests and alleged killing of herdsmen by security agents led them to engage in banditry attacks.

He said: “We are happy by your coming to visit us right in our hideouts. We Fulani have challenges which the government should look into. These include construction of roads, education facilities, provision of infrastructure and good living conditions.

“Again, indiscriminate arrests by security agencies and extortion by members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) as well the attitude of the Hausa in rural communities, who refused to coexist with the Fulani, requires that we all sit down and iron out our differences.”

The Chief Imam of the Fulani, Alhaji Liman Majuna, assured Msari that the bandits were really willing to surrender their arms and embrace government’s amnesty.

He said: “We have forgiven and forgotten what happened five years ago. We will confront whoever that does not want peace.”

Governor Masari told the bandits, who turned out en masse, that it was better for them to abandon the bush and killing of their brothers and embrace peace and amnesty.

He said: “If you gather all the cattle, get all the money in this world and shed innocent blood, there is no benefit in them.

“You can never defeat government. If you kill 10 soldiers, government will bring 100 more and bring thousands of guns. We will look into your requests, build roads and schools and ensure better quality of lives.”

- Download GistAfri App on Google Playstore -

RELATED GIST

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Join us on Telegram -

Latest

- Advertise Here -