Heavily armed terrorists engage in peace talks with Katsina residents
In an unexpected turn of events, a group of terrorists in northwest Nigeria engaged in a peace parley with the residents of Fankama village in Katsina State. The Fankama village is situated in the Faskari Local Government Area of the state.
Shared pictures of the meeting on social media by Jagaban Matasan Arewa, a senior special assistant to the Minister of State for Petroleum, revealed that the terrorists attended the gathering while heavily armed.
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The meeting, which took place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, showcased a surprising display of dialogue and understanding. Despite the armed presence, the meeting displayed signs of peace and cooperation between the two parties.
Jagaban Matasan Arewa expressed his perspective on the meeting in a Facebook post, stating, “No regret but the joy is that there was peace and understanding. May Allah make it easy for us to have peace.”
While the exact number of bandit groups in the North-West remains a subject of conjecture, a June 2023 International Review of the Red Cross report noted that there were approximately 120 bandit camps in the region, with an estimated 60,000 AK-47 rifles in their possession. Additionally, a liaison appointed by the bandit groups claimed that there were over 100,000 armed bandits in the North-West region.
The peace talks between the terrorists and the Katsina community highlight a unique attempt to foster understanding and harmony. It is hoped that this engagement will contribute to long-lasting peace in the region, as all parties work towards a safer and more prosperous future.
