The administration of Dr. Dikko Umar Radda in Katsina State has denied ever participating in any peace negotiations with bandits, after the reports of an alleged peace deal involving bandit kingpins in the Batsari Local Government Area of the State
The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu clarified in a telephone interview with Daily Trust that the government remains firm in its position against negotiating with bandits.
Dr. Bala however reiterated the government’s willingness to accept any bandits who voluntarily surrender and renounce violence.
He said “We were not part of any peace deal, and the government’s position has always been that anyone who renounces violence and surrenders their weapons would be considered. But the government would not go asking to negotiate with any bandit,”
Reports indicate that a peace meeting involving military leadership, DSS representatives, traditional authorities, and residents took place on Sunday in Kofa village, west of Batsari town, Kastina State.
A resident, who claimed to have attended the negotiation, said, “The bandits demanded safe access to our communities and pledged to stop their attacks. They surrendered weapons and released captives, claiming this was the beginning of a comprehensive peace process.”
It was reported that the Notorious bandit leaders, including Lamu Saudo, Abdulhamid Dan Da, Umar Black, and Abu Radda, reportedly surrendered their weapons and freed kidnapped victims during the meeting.
Military sources confirmed that the surrender followed sustained military operations that left the bandits with no choice but to seek peace.
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