A repentant bandit leader in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Wada Yellow Musawa, has said the peace deal between his group and residents remains intact despite renewed attacks in the area.
In a telephone interview, he attributed the recent attacks to bandits from Zamfara State who have been infiltrating Musawa to rustle cattle.
He, however, lamented the withdrawal of support from authorities, which he said has weakened their ability to respond to attacks.
Wada said his group recently intercepted some bandits, engaged them in a gun battle and killed several, while others fled.
He added that the attackers later regrouped and launched a reprisal attack, during which he lost his father and his brother’s wife. His house was also burnt, and his cattle rustled.
“I am not backing out of the peace deal because I have vowed never to return to banditry. However, I was forced to relocate to the bush, and the support we used to receive from authorities is no longer coming,” he said.
He maintained that despite his losses, he remains committed to the peace agreement.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Musawa, Lawan Ibrahim Ribeji, said the influx of bandits from Zamfara has become alarming.
He noted that the peace deal had been effective until Wada became a target of attacks.
Ribeji added that while the local government chairman has been supportive, the situation now requires stronger security intervention.
He said residents are currently living in fear.