A notorious bandit, Ado Aleru, who was declared wanted by Nigerian security agencies, has reportedly resurfaced at a peace meeting held in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, sparking widespread outrage and concern among Nigerians.
Reports has it that the meeting was convened to find solutions to ending hostilities between Fulani herders and farming communities in the area.
Despite being on the security watchlist, Aleru addressed stakeholders during the meeting, and gave conditions that must be met for peace exist in the region.
Aleru is linked to previous deadly attacks across Katsina and Zamfara States. He was in hiding as military operations intensified in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.
Prior to this meeting, Aleru had also led ambushes against security forces who were targeting his movement.
The fact he resurfaced at this meeting and the audacity of dictating conditions that must be adhered by government, security forces and the communities, has raised serious questions about the sincerity and effectiveness of peace-building efforts in bandit-ravaged communities.
“How are we sure he’s not doing this to buy himself time, evade justice, only to return stronger afterwards? This doesn’t make sense at all,” said Yahaya Abdulrahman, a concerned resident.
Security analysts and locals have also expressed fears that involving wanted bandit in dialogue may undermine ongoing counterinsurgency efforts and embolden other criminal elements.
