KATSINA—A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ummaru, has warned security operatives that adopting a purely kinetic approach to tackling insecurity in Katsina State would only worsen the crisis, insisting that “if you kill 10 of us today, 20 more will emerge tomorrow.” Ummaru issued the warning at the weekend during a peace meeting between bandit groups and community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area.
His remarks, captured in a video shared by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, came as stakeholders intensified efforts to broker peace between rural communities and armed groups across Katsina.
“Truth be told, the government doesn’t care about anyone, all it’s after is how to generate money. If the government cared about the people, all these things wouldn’t be happening.
“If our boys mistakenly abduct anyone or if security operatives apprehend one of ours, stakeholders should be involved and see that the person taken is released. “Let’s tell ourselves the truth — if we know these talks won’t foster any peace between us, then it would be best if things remain the way they are.
“You people (residents of Matazu LGA) are also part of the problem because you are fond of complaining to security operatives and giving them information, and even when they come to where we are, they don’t kill even a bird, but you’ll hear in the news that 10 bandits have been killed and they’ll be paid.
