There is palpable doubts that the resort to negotiating with bandits and terrorists leaders by the Katsina State government, will lead to any reasonable solution, following the intimidation of security operatives, top government officials and locals who attended the peac deals by bandits who arrived with sophisticated weapons.
In particular, residents of Matazu Local Government Area of the state have raised serious concerns following a peace dialogue held on Saturday between community leaders, Islamic clerics, and notorious bandit groups in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that a notorious bandit leader attended the meeting armed with Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs), General Machine Guns (GMGs), and AK-47 rifles, sparking anxiety among residents who had continued to suffer frequent attacks, kidnappings and molestation.
Community leaders and clerics present at the talks expressed shock at the display of sophisticated weapons during what was meant to be a peace initiative, while the government and security officials arrived at the meeting unprepared and unarmed.
“You came to a peace talk with AK-47 rifles, RPGs, and GMGs, and you return to the bush with the same weapons?
“How can this be called a peace deal?” a community leader asked, lamenting the recurring attacks that often escalate after such dialogues.If You’re Reading From Phoenix Click On Read Original To Read Full Article
The clerics and local authorities stressed that for any genuine peace process to succeed, all parties must commit to laying down their arms without preconditions, prioritising the safety and security of residents above personal or group interests.
Residents further urged the government and security agencies to adopt stronger and more realistic measures to end such activities or ensure that future negotiations result in sustainable peace in the state
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
