A notorious bandit leader, Ado Alleru, has issued a chilling warning, declaring that the violent attacks of his group will persist while society continues to label them in terrorists.
This was revealed in a position by the expert in counterinsurgency, Zagazola Makama, who reported that Aleru made the controversial statement during a peace dialogue session held in the area of ​​the local government of Danmusa of the state of Katsina.
Speaking on behalf of his group, the leader of the bandits blamed the roots of current violence for years of negligence, marginalization and systemic injustice faced by pastoral communities in the region.
“If they still call us terrorists, let's not wait for us to stop behaving as terrorists,” Alleru said.
He argued that derogatory labels have further complicated efforts towards reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, many young people involved in BandiderÃa were not inherently violent, but they had been pushed into armed conflicts due to circumstances outside their control.
“Our parents are not happy with what we are doing, and we even really want this life in our hearts. We would prefer a return to how things were, where there was mutual respect between farmers and shepherds, and security personnel attached to their duties without bias,” he said.
The dialogue in Danmusa is part of the construction efforts of the current peace coordinated by local authorities and security agencies to address the prolonged security crisis in the northwest.