No Peace With Rifles: ADC Leader Rejects Talks With Armed Bandits

Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State and former Secretary to the State Government, has warned that peace discussions with armed groups in the state hold no real value as long as the bandits remain in possession of weapons.

He made this known while reacting to the ongoing peace initiatives between government officials and the armed groups operating in various parts of Katsina.

The state has experienced several rounds of peace agreements with bandits over the years, but the attacks on rural communities have continued despite repeated dialogues.

During many of the meetings, armed men are said to attend carrying rifles and wearing military-style uniforms, which raises questions about their commitment to the process.

Reports indicate that peace talks are often organized in frontline local government areas almost every weekend, yet villages and towns are attacked soon after the gatherings.

Residents remain uneasy, fearing that the negotiations do not guarantee safety.Dr. Inuwa stressed that genuine peace cannot be achieved when armed groups continue to operate freely, using weapons to intimidate villagers and subject them to forced labour.

He insisted that disarmament must come before any peace deal if the government truly wants to restore calm across the state.