Local Government Chairman Attends Wedding of Bandits’ Children in Katsina
According to Sahara Reporters, the event was held as part of the ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts between the government and armed bandit groups operating across the area. The ceremony took place in Kadawan Dandume village, a community that was recently reconciled with local authorities following years of violent clashes and insecurity.
Reports say that Tanimu was joined by several local dignitaries, including the representative of the Emirate, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello Kogo, the Prince of Kogo Emirate, and the District Head of Sabuwa.
The wedding, coming just weeks after a peace pact between the government and bandit leaders, is said to be one of the activities aimed at fostering trust between communities and armed groups. Local officials have described it as “a symbolic step towards reconciliation and peace.”
However, some residents expressed skepticism, insisting that reconciliation will only hold if the armed groups lay down their weapons and formally renounce violence.
“Attending a wedding is not peace. Peace is when we can sleep at night without hearing gunshots,” said one resident.
It will be recalled that government officials and traditional rulers in Katsina recently held another round of peace talks with bandits in the Matazu Local Government Area. That meeting brought together community leaders and representatives of the armed groups to discuss reducing hostilities and improving security.
A similar engagement was held earlier in Faskari Local Government Area, where bandit kingpins—some reportedly carrying guns and ammunition—attended the talks.
Authorities maintain that these peace efforts are part of broader attempts to curb insecurity in Katsina State, which has for years been at the epicentre of Nigeria’s banditry crisis.
Security analysts have warned that such peace deals may collapse, as seen in previous negotiations between 2019 and 2021 in Katsina and Zamfara. Despite peace agreements, many residents continue to pay “taxes” and levies to the bandits in rural areas, suggesting that the armed groups still maintain control in parts of the state.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) recently estimated that over 1.3 million people have been displaced across the North-West region since February 2025 due to persistent attacks, kidnappings, and raids by armed groups.
The development has sparked mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the act as a mockery of justice.
“What a failed state! When is enough going to be enough in Nigeria?” one user commented.
As the debate continues, questions remain about whether these peace gestures—like attending the weddings of bandits’ children—will lead to genuine peace or simply embolden criminal elements in the long run.
Post a Comment