Bandit kingpin, Ado Aleru, who is currently one of the most wanted by defence and security agencies, has participated in a peace meeting in Safana, Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
Source confirmed that at the meeting, Alero addressed stakeholders, outlining measures needed to foster peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and other members of the community especially the farmers.
Zagagola Makama reports that Alero, who spoke on behalf of the group at the meeting, declared that unless authorities and society stop referring to them as terrorists, they should not expect an end to their violent activities.
According to him, many of the youths involved in banditry were forced into the act due to neglect, injustice, and long-standing grievances.
He added that while their parents do not support their actions, circumstances beyond their control pushed them to take up arms.
“Our parents are not happy with what we are doing, and even we do not truly want this life in our hearts. We would prefer a return to the way things were, where there was mutual respect between farmers and herders, and security personnel stuck to their duties without bias,” he said.
He insisted that genuine reconciliation and reintegration must begin with mutual respect and the cessation of stigmatisation.
“As long as we are still being called terrorists, then do not expect us to stop behaving like terrorists,” he warned.
The bandit kingpin’s intervention in the peace process came amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to arrest him and dismantle his network following persistent attacks by armed groups in the State.
At the venue were terrorists holding sophisticated weapons including Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and men in full military fatigue and combat helmets.
The meeting in Danmusa was part of ongoing peace efforts between security agencies, local authorities, and armed groups in the region aimed at restoring peace in the conflict-prone communities of North-West Nigeria.
Efforts are being intensified by traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and government officials to bring lasting peace to the area.
Written with reports, illustrated with pictures from Zagazola Makama