Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit leader in Nigeria’s North-West, has issued a strong warning during a peace meeting in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State. He said peace would remain out of reach unless the government and society stop labelling his group as terrorists.
Speaking on behalf of other armed men, Aleru said many of them were driven into banditry by poverty, neglect, and injustice. He claimed that the youths involved never planned to live violent lives but were pushed by circumstances.
“Our parents are not happy with our actions, and even we are not proud of what we are doing,” Aleru said. “We want the old ways back, where farmers and herders lived in peace and security forces treated everyone fairly.”
Aleru stressed that reconciliation will only happen if the authorities show respect and stop stigmatising the group. “As long as we are still being called terrorists, then do not expect us to stop behaving like terrorists,” he said.
The meeting was part of ongoing efforts by security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to restore peace in troubled communities across Katsina and other parts of the North-West region.
The North-West has seen years of violence linked to clashes between farmers and herders, along with bandit attacks. Peace talks have continued despite setbacks, as leaders work to end the crisis that has displaced thousands and threatened food security.
