Bandit leader Kachalla Ummaru warns government offensives could trigger wider violence during a peace dialogue in Katsina.
He urges security agencies to scale back operations and focus on dialogue for lasting peace.
A feared bandit leader, identified as Kachalla Ummaru, has warned that government offensives could provoke even greater violence if not halted. Speaking at a peace dialogue in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday, he said that any move to neutralize a number of armed men would likely trigger an even larger group to retaliate across towns and villages.
Ummaru urged security agencies to scale back their operations, arguing that ongoing talks would only succeed if every side showed restraint. He stressed that a lasting resolution to the crisis required dialogue rather than further bloodshed.
The meeting, which brought together bandit representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders, was convened to promote reconciliation and end the ongoing insecurity in Katsina and nearby states. Community elders at the session appealed to both the armed groups and security forces to demonstrate genuine commitment to peace to safeguard residents’ lives and livelihoods.
