A notorious bandit leader, Ado Aleru, has issued a stark warning that violent attacks by his group will continue as long as society labels them terrorists, according to reports from a recent peace dialogue session in Katsina State.
The controversial statement was made during peace talks held in Danmusa Local Government Area, as revealed by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama.
"If we are still being called terrorists, then do not expect us to stop behaving like terrorists," Aleru was quoted as saying during the dialogue session.
Root Causes of Violence
Speaking on behalf of his group, Aleru attributed the ongoing violence to years of neglect, marginalization, and systemic injustice faced by pastoralist communities in the region. He argued that derogatory labels have further complicated efforts toward reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
According to the bandit leader, many young men involved in banditry were not inherently violent but had been pushed into armed conflict by circumstances beyond their control.
"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 stated.
Peace-Building Efforts
The dialogue in Danmusa is part of ongoing peace-building initiatives coordinated by local authorities and security agencies to address the protracted security crisis in Nigeria's North-West region.
These efforts come amid increasing concerns about the escalating banditry crisis that has displaced thousands and claimed numerous lives across several northern states.
Security analysts note that addressing the root causes of the conflict, including resource competition, poverty, and governance issues, remains crucial for sustainable peace in the affected regions.
Follow BenriNews on our social media platforms for more updates on this developing story:
