OUTRAGE has trailed the appearance of notorious bandit leader Mustapha Babaro at a government-backed peace dialogue in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Babaro, accused of mass killings and sexual violence, arrived at the meeting heavily armed and in a convoy with his fighters.
The bandit commander is linked to multiple attacks in Kankara and Malumfashi, including the massacre of 32 worshippers during evening prayers at the Unguwar Mantau Mosque in August.
The peace meeting resulted in an agreement between residents and bandits, where the parties agreed to forgive each other for past atrocities.
With this agreement, bandits would now be allowed to enter towns without arms, while residents and bandits can engage in farming and grazing activities without fear of attack.
Collapse Nation’s Security Architecture
Babaro’s presence at the dialogue has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the government’s decision to negotiate with a notorious bandit leader accused of heinous crimes.
Families of abducted persons and victims of his attacks expressed devastation, with some breaking down in tears at the sight of Babaro sitting at the negotiating table with impunity.
Amnesty International Nigeria sharply criticized the development, warning that privileging armed groups while silencing victims only deepens injustice. The organization’s spokesperson, Isa Sanusi, questioned the assumption that bandits can accept peace or renounce violence, calling it “nonsense”.
The incident has reignited anger over the government’s controversial peace overtures to armed groups in the northwest, where thousands have been killed, abducted, and displaced in a decade-long wave of violence.
Many are now calling for the government to take a stronger stance against terrorism and prioritize citizen safety and security.
