Former Senator for Kaduna Central and prominent human rights advocate, Shehu Sani, has strongly criticized recent peace talks between Katsina communities and a notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashé Garwa and others.
Photos circulating online showed Garwa and other bandit representatives engaging with local leaders in discussions aimed at brokering a peace deal in Faskari Local Government Area — one of the regions worst affected by banditry in Katsina State.
According to multiple reports, community leaders in Hayin Gada met with individuals accused of orchestrating raids, kidnappings, and violent attacks.
During the talks, the bandits reportedly agreed to stop attacking villages, allow farmers safe access to their lands, and release abducted victims. In return, they demanded freedom of movement, access to local markets, and development support for Fulani communities.
While some see the talks as a potential path to stability, Shehu Sani vehemently disagrees. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, he condemned the negotiations, arguing that previous administrations in northern states had attempted similar dialogue strategies — all of which failed to curb the violence.
Sani stated, “They are bandit gang leaders who killed and kidnapped thousands in North West Nigeria. They raped women. They are supposed to be brought to justice or outrightly eliminated in the theatre of operations, but our security forces repeatedly failed.”
He emphasized that engaging in dialogue with individuals responsible for mass killings, sexual violence, and abductions is not a solution, but a dangerous concession that undermines justice.
He warned that such talks may only embolden the criminals, pointing out that past peace deals have not prevented the resurgence of violence in the region.
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