(Bandits. Photo by BBC)
The chairman of Talata Mafara Local Government Area in Zamfara State has defended the state’s decision not to negotiate with b@ndits, insisting that the criminals have no genuine demands that would justify peace talks.
Speaking on a radio interview, the council chairman argued that negotiations should only be held with armed groups that take up weapons over specific political or social grievances, explaining that peace talks are typically meant for those rebelling over particular demands or fighting for their rights, and that once such demands are addressed, they lay down their arms and peace returns.
He cited former rebels in Colombia as an example, noting that they ended their armed struggle once the government addressed their concerns, and argued that had Zamfara b@ndits had genuine demands the government could meet, then dialogue would make sense.
According to him, however, the b@ndits operating in the state are driven solely by criminal motives, with no objective beyond burning villages, k!lling innocent people, stealing property, and rustling livestock, questioning how one could possibly negotiate with such individuals.
The council chairman further argued that the government’s current strategy had significantly weakened the b@ndits, noting that att@cks that once forced entire communities to flee or led to the abduction of traditional rulers have become far less common.
He said allowing communities to defend themselves, rather than pursuing negotiations with b@ndits, had solved half of the problem.
He also dismissed claims that negotiations with b@ndits in neighbouring Katsina State had produced positive results, arguing that insecurity had persisted despite the talks, and questioned what the peace agreement there had truly achieved, noting that a general was reportedly k!lled and his body brought into town after negotiations, while people continued to be kidnapped from villages.
He reiterated that the Zamfara State governor has ruled out any peace deal with b@ndits, stating that the governor had made it clear there would be no negotiations, and that anyone choosing to negotiate would be doing so on their own accord, adding that local government chairmen fully support the governor’s position that fighting the b@ndits remains the only viable option.
On concerns that insecurity has prevented farmers from cultivating their land, the council chairman said many farmers are still working safely across several parts of the state, although he acknowledged that some areas continue to face ongoing security challenges.
