In a rare public outburst, Kachalla Ummaru, one of Katsina’s most feared bandit leaders, has openly warned the government and security agencies that using force against his fighters will only breed more violence.
Speaking during peace talks with community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area on Saturday, September 20, Ummaru declared that military raids and killings would only strengthen their ranks.
“If today you kill 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20… you kill 20, another 30 will rise both in our bushes and villages,” he said in a video released by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama.
The warlord accused the government of abandoning ordinary Nigerians.
“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 won’t be happening,” Ummaru said.
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He warned that unless peace negotiations are taken seriously and agreements respected, the cycle of violence would never end.
“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,” he added.
In a striking message to the divisional police officer of Danmusa LGA, Ummaru demanded reciprocity in dealings between bandits and security agencies.
“Anything you request from us (bandits) we see to it that it is done. This is just the truth of the matter. It would be shameful if you come to us for something and we don’t do it for you and the same thing goes for you… it would be shameful if we come to you for something and you don’t do it for us,” he said.
The controversial remarks come amid renewed efforts by local authorities and elders to strike peace deals with armed groups in Katsina and neighbouring states.